Blackbird by Nina Simone released in 1963.

Blackbird made its peak during the early years of the Civil Rights Movement, which made it very significant. Nina was an advocate for reflecting the times; she said in an interview that it was her duty as a black artist. Posted below are the lyrics to Nina’s cover of the song originally sang by The Beatles:

Why you wanna fly, Blackbird?
You ain’t ever gonna fly

No place big enough for holding
All the tears you’re gonna cry
Cause your mama’s name was “Lonely”
And your daddy’s name was “Pain”

And they call you “Little Sorrow”
Cause you’ll never love again

So why you wanna fly, Blackbird?
You ain’t ever gonna fly
Why you wanna fly, Blackbird?
You ain’t ever gonna fly

You ain’t got no one to hold you
You ain’t got no one to care
If you’d only understand, dear
Nobody wants you anywhere

So why you wanna fly, Blackbird?
You ain’t ever gonna fly
Why you wanna fly, Blackbird?
You ain’t ever gonna fly

You ain’t got no one to hold you
You ain’t got no one to care

So why you wanna fly, Blackbird?
You ain’t ever gonna fly
You ain’t ever gonna fly