Full Lyrics
Everybody have you heard?
He's gonna buy me a mockingbird.
And if that mockingbird don't sing,
He's gonna buy me a diamond ring.
And if that diamond ring won't shine,
He's gonna surely break this heart of mine.
And that's why I'll tell you,
Yes, I'll tell you...
Woah, woah, woah, woah, woah, oh,
You understand me now?
Woah, woah, woah, woah, woah, oh,
I'll tell you, I'll tell you!
About This Song
"Mockingbird" is a rhythmic soul and pop song based on the traditional "Hush Little Baby" lullaby. While it shares some lyrics with the classic nursery rhyme, it has a completely different energy and tempo.
The song became a massive hit in 1963 when it was recorded by the brother-and-sister duo Inez and Charlie Foxx. Later, in 1974, James Taylor and Carly Simon made it world-famous with their duet version.
Unlike the soothing lullaby, this version is often used in music classes to teach rhythm and "call and response" patterns, making it a favorite for children who love to clap and sing along!