Introduction
Engelbert Humperdinck, the legendary crooner known for timeless ballads like “Release Me” and “There Goes My Everything,” surprised fans with a late-career inclusion – “On The Wings of a Silver Bird.” While the exact details of the song’s origin remain elusive, here’s what we can piece together:
A Delayed Takeoff: Released in 1987 as a B-side to “I Love You,” “On The Wings of a Silver Bird” wasn’t initially intended as a standout single. This placement suggests the song might have been written earlier in Humperdinck’s career and held onto for a specific moment.
Charting a New Course: “On The Wings of a Silver Bird” didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as Humperdinck’s earlier hits. It only reached number 93 on the UK charts in 1988. However, its inclusion on later compilation albums suggests it resonated with some fans, perhaps for its unique sound or lyrical themes.
A Glimpse into the Lyrics: Without confirmed information on the songwriter, the lyrics themselves offer clues. The metaphorical “silver bird” could represent a dream, a memory, or even a person who uplifts the singer’s spirit. Lines like “Stayed away too long, missed this way you get good” hint at a yearning for something lost or a desire for reconciliation.
A Song for the Fans: Despite its modest chart performance, “On The Wings of a Silver Bird” holds a special place for dedicated Engelbert Humperdinck fans. It showcases a different side of the artist, perhaps a more introspective or vulnerable one.
So, as you listen to “On The Wings of a Silver Bird,” keep in mind its intriguing backstory. It’s a song that may not have reached the top of the charts, but it offers a unique glimpse into the vast repertoire of a musical legend.