Birdhouse in Your Soul

They Might Be Giants

About Birdhouse in Your Soul

"Birdhouse in Your Soul" is a song by American alternative rock band They Might Be Giants. It was released in late 1989 through Elektra Records as the lead single from the album Flood, making the single the band's first release on a major label. "Birdhouse in Your Soul" is also the band's highest charting single in both the US and the UK, and is one of their best known songs. The song's lyrics are narrated from the perspective of a nightlight. Due to its largely digital composition, it contains some unconventional musical elements for a pop song, including an atypical snare drum pattern and modulation between four keys. Production was handled by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley. 


Year:
1990
3:20
1,064 
#1

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

I'm your only friend
I'm not your only friend
But I'm a little glowing friend
But really I'm not actually your friend
But I am

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
Who watches over you
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

I have a secret to tell
From my electrical well
It's a simple message and I'm leaving out the whistles and bells
So the room must listen to me
Filibuster vigilantly
My name is blue canary one note spelled l-I-t-e
My story's infinite
Like the Longines Symphonette it doesn't rest

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
Who watches over you
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

I'm your only friend
I'm not your only friend
But I'm a little glowing friend
But really I'm not actually your friend
But I am

There's a picture opposite me
Of my primitive ancestry
Which stood on rocky shores and kept the beaches shipwreck free
Though I respect that a lot
I'd be fired if that were my job
After killing Jason off and countless screaming Argonauts
Bluebird of friendliness
Like guardian angels its always near

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
Who watches over you
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

(And while you're at it
Keep the nightlight on inside the
Birdhouse in your soul)

Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch (and while you're at it)
Who watches over you (keep the nightlight on inside the)
Make a little birdhouse in your soul (birdhouse in your soul)

Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch (and while you're at it)
Who watches over you (keep the nightlight on inside the)
Make a little birdhouse in your soul (birdhouse in your soul)

Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


They Might Be Giants

They Might Be Giants (sometimes abbreviated as TMBG) is an American alternative band formed in 1982 by John Flansburgh and John Linnell. During TMBG's early years Flansburgh and Linnell were frequently accompanied by a drum machine. In the early 1990s, TMBG became a full band. Currently, the members of TMBG are Flansburgh, Linnell, Marty Beller, Dan Miller, and Danny Weinkauf. They are best known for an unconventional and experimental style of alternative music. Over their career, the group has found success on the modern rock and CMJ charts. More recently they have found success in children's music, and in theme music for several television programs and films. more »

1 fan

Written by: John C. Flansburgh, John S. Linnell

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Release Details
"Birdhouse in Your Soul" was released by the band They Might Be Giants in 1989.
Album Feature
The song is one of the tracks on their album called "Flood", which was their third studio album.
Chart Performance
"Birdhouse in Your Soul" was the band's highest-charting single in the UK, it peaked at number 6.
Genre
The song is typically categorized under the genre of alternative rock.
Lyrical Interpretation
The lyrics of the song are sung from the point of view of a nightlight.
Unique Instrumentation
The track is known for its use of various keyboard sounds and a drum machine.
Music Video
The music video for "Birdhouse in Your Soul" was directed by Adam Bernstein, who is acclaimed for his work on well-known shows such as "Breaking Bad", and "Better Call Saul".
Album Success
"Flood", the album on which the song features, was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
TV Features
The song has been performed live on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon".
Critical Reception
The song received positive reviews and is often cited for its quirky lyrics and infectious melody.
Cover Versions
Multiple artists and bands have performed their covers of "Birdhouse in Your Soul", including a band named Punk Rock Factory in 2021.
Songwriters
The song was written by the band's two founding members, John Flansburgh and John Linnell.
Longevity
More than 30 years after its release, "Birdhouse in Your Soul" is still a fan favorite and often played at They Might Be Giants' live performances.
Inspiration
"Birdhouse in Your Soul" is said to take its inspiration from an array of disparate influences including show tunes, The Beatles, and Louis Armstrong.

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