About the song
“Snowbird” is a renowned song written by Canadian singer-songwriter Gene MacLellan. While many artists have recorded this song, it is most famously associated with Anne Murray, whose version, released in 1969 and issued as a single in 1970, became a significant milestone in her career.
Anne Murray’s rendition of “Snowbird” achieved remarkable success, making a profound impact on the music charts. The song reached No. 2 on Canada’s pop chart and topped both the Canadian adult contemporary and country charts. In the United States, it reached No. 8 on the pop singles chart, spent six weeks at No. 1 on the adult contemporary chart, and also made its mark as a Top 10 hit on the country charts. The song’s popularity was further underscored by its certification as a gold single by the RIAA, making it the first American Gold record awarded to a Canadian solo female artist.
The song’s appeal extended beyond North America; it peaked at No. 23 on the UK Singles Chart. Its enduring influence was recognized in 2003 when it was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame as one of the inaugural songs.
“Snowbird” was part of Anne Murray’s debut major label album, *This Way Is My Way*, released in 1969. Murray and MacLellan had met on the CBC television series *Singalong Jubilee*, where MacLellan shared that he wrote the song in just twenty minutes while walking on a beach in Prince Edward Island.
With over a million copies sold, “Snowbird” is not only a testament to Anne Murray’s significant impact on the music industry but also a celebrated piece in Canadian musical history, listed as the 19th most influential Canadian song on the 50 Tracks: The Canadian Version list. The song remains a cherished classic, admired for its melodic charm and the heartfelt performance that Anne Murray delivered.
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 springWhen 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 that I can’t winSpread 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 youThe breeze along the river seems to say
That he’ll only break my 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 flowSpread 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 youYeah, if I could you know that I would
Fl-y-y-y-y away with you