Don't Be a Cowbird - Song Page
©
from album Out on the Tallgrass Prairie
Album Note:
Seeing how parasitic cowbirds lay their eggs in other birds’ nests and cause big problems for smaller songbirds, we resolve to do our own work and not pick on the little guys.
(Admittedly, after writing this song, I learned the reason cowbirds lay their eggs in other birds’ nests was an adaptation allowing the cowbirds to follow along and migrate with historic bison herds. So, in truth, cowbirds are not morally deficient.)
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LYRICS
Cowbird moms are big and strong.
They know they can bully the smaller bird moms.
While sweet little songbirds build a new home,
Those big lazy cowbirds won’t build their own.
Cowbirds are a nasty guest.
They lay their eggs in other birds’ nests.
Then fly off and leave their babies behind,
Not doing their part to help or provide.
Don’t be a cowbird. Build your own nest.
Don’t pick on the little guys. Do your own work.
Don’t be a cowbird. Don’t be a jerk.
Those little songbirds only have little legs.
They can’t kick out those big cowbird eggs.
All they can do is just make the best
Of those big cowbird babies stuck in their nest.
When songbirds raise the cowbird chicks,
It puts their own families in quite a fix.
For their own little babies it just isn’t fair
With those big cowbird babies stealing their share.
CHORUS
Those cowbird chicks can be so mean.
Sometimes they make a horrible scene.
They’ll kick out or smother the little birds’ chicks.
You’ll never believe their terrible tricks.
So don’t a steal a meal from others in need.
Don’t live a life of power and greed.
Just being big doesn’t give you the right
To be lazy and mean - a big parasite!
CHORUS