About the song
“Snowbird” is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of music lovers around the world. Written by the talented Canadian singer-songwriter Gene MacLellan, this beautiful ballad has been recorded by numerous artists, but it is Anne Murray’s 1969 version that remains the most iconic and enduring. Released as a single in 1970, “Snowbird” soared to the top of the charts, reaching No. 2 on Canada’s pop chart and No. 1 on both the Canadian adult contemporary and country charts. Its success was not limited to Canada, as it also reached No. 8 on the U.S. pop singles chart, spent six weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. adult contemporary chart, and became a surprise Top 10 U.S. country hit.
The song’s impressive chart performance was matched by its critical acclaim, earning it a gold single certification from the RIAA, the first American Gold record ever awarded to a Canadian solo female artist. “Snowbird” has also been recognized as a significant contribution to Canadian music, with its induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless melody and poignant lyrics, which have resonated with listeners for generations.
Anne Murray and Gene MacLellan’s collaboration on “Snowbird” was a serendipitous one, born out of their shared experiences as regulars on the CBC television series Singalong Jubilee. Murray has spoken fondly of MacLellan’s creative process, recalling that he wrote the song in just 20 minutes while walking on a beach on Prince Edward Island. The result is a beautiful, evocative song that has become an integral part of Canadian music heritage. With over a million copies sold, “Snowbird” is a beloved classic that continues to inspire and delight audiences to this day.
Video
Lyrics
Beneath this snowy mantle cold and clean
The unborn grass lies waiting
For its coat to turn to green
The snowbird sings the song he always sings
And speaks to me of flowers
That will bloom again in spring
When I was young my heart was young then too
Anything that it would tell me
That’s the thing that I would do
But now I feel such emptiness within
For the thing that I want most in life’s
The thing thing that I can’t win
Spread your tiny wings and fly away
And take the snow back with you
Where it came from on that day
The one I love forever is untrue
And if I could you know that I would
Fly away with you
The breeze along the river seems to say
That he’ll only break me heart again
Should I decide to stay
So little snowbird take me with you
When you go
To that land of gentle breezes
Where the peaceful waters flow
Spread your tiny wings and fly away
And take the snow back with you
Where it came from on that day
The one I love forever is untrue
And if I could you know that I would
Fly away with you