About The Song
Released in 1966 on their second album, “Spicks and Specks”, “How Many Birds” predates the disco era that would later define the Bee Gees. This song belongs to their earlier, more rock and roll-influenced period. Here, we hear a rawer sound, with prominent guitar riffs and the brothers’ signature tight harmonies taking center stage.
“How Many Birds” is a song about youthful heartache, a theme that resonated deeply with teenagers of the time. The lyrics paint a picture of a young man pining for a love that seems out of reach. The opening lines, sung with a touch of desperation, set the stage: “How many times must I tell you I love you, tell you I love you, times before?” The frustration of unrequited affection is palpable.
But the song isn’t just about the pain of rejection. There’s a glimmer of hope woven into the melody. The repeated refrain, “How many birds will I see high and flying? How many birds will it take till I get you?”, uses the image of soaring birds as a metaphor for freedom and the possibility of finding happiness. Perhaps with time, like the birds soaring high above, his love will be reciprocated.
“How Many Birds” may not be one of the Bee Gees’ biggest hits, but it holds a special place in the hearts of fans who appreciate their early work. It’s a song that captures the innocence and emotional intensity of young love, a reminder of the group’s raw talent before they reached superstardom. So, put on your favorite record player, dust off that old vinyl copy of “Spicks and Specks”, and let yourself be swept back to a simpler time with the Bee Gees’ “How Many Birds”.