About the song
“Mockingbird”, in the rendition by Toby Keith and Krystal, transcends its origins as a classic rhythm and blues tune to become a heartfelt display of familial harmony. This version, released in 2004, breathes new life into a song that has seen numerous interpretations since its initial popularity in the 1960s. Originally made famous by Inez and Charlie Foxx, the song’s simple yet engaging call-and-response structure has allowed it to remain a staple in popular music.
Toby and Krystal’s duet brings a country twang to the well-known melody, providing a fresh perspective while honoring the song’s intrinsic charm. The interaction between father and daughter is palpable, lending an authentic warmth to their performance. Their vocal blend, characterized by Toby’s seasoned country timbre and Krystal’s clear, vibrant tone, creates a pleasing and memorable listening experience.
The choice to revisit “Mockingbird” speaks to the song’s enduring appeal. It’s a tune that resonates with multiple generations, evoking a sense of nostalgia while remaining accessible to contemporary audiences. In the Keiths’ hands, the song becomes a celebration of family bonds, a reminder of the joy found in shared musical moments.
Furthermore, the arrangement of this version maintains a balance between honoring the original’s playful spirit and infusing it with modern country sensibilities. The production is polished yet unpretentious, allowing the vocals to remain the focal point. This approach highlights the natural chemistry between Toby and Krystal, making their rendition of “Mockingbird” a standout in their respective careers.
Video
Lyrics
Mock (yeah) -ing (yeah)
Bird (yeah?) Yeah (oh, yeah)
Mockin’ bird, now
Everybody have you heard? (Have you heard)
He’s gonna buy me a mockingbird (I’m gonna buy her a mockingbird)
And if that mockingbird don’t sing (if that mockingbird don’t sing)
He’s gonna buy me a diamond ring (I’m gonna buy her a diamond ring)
And if that diamond ring don’t shine (if that diamond ring won’t shine)
Oh, sure, let’s break this heart of mine (sure this is gonna break this heart of mine)
And that’s why (yes, indeed oh)
I keep on tellin’ everybody, sayin’ (oh, yes, indeed oh)
Yea-yeah (whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-ohh) ohh-oh
hear me now, understand
(He’s gonna find me some peace of mind) I’m gonna find her some peace of mind
(And if that peace of mind won’t stay) if that peace of mind won’t stay
(I’m gonna find myself a better way) I’m gonna find myself a better way
(And if that better way ain’t so) if that better way ain’t so
(I-I-I ride with the tide and go with the flow)
(And that’s why) yes, indeed oh
(I keep on tellin’ in your ears, sayin’) oh, yes, indeed oh
Yea-yeah (whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-ohh) ohh-oh
Now move over, lemme show you how it’s done, baby
(Yeah, right, quit big leaguing me)
I said, hey, everybody have you heard? (Everybody, have you heard?)
She’s gonna buy me a mockingbird (he’s gonna buy me a mockingbird)
Yeah, if that mockingbird don’t sing (if that mockingbird don’t sing)
She’s gonna buy me a diamond ring (he’s gonna buy me a diamond ring)
And if that diamond ring won’t shine (if that diamond ain’t gonna shine)
It’ll surely break this heart of mine (it’ll surely break this heart of mine)
And that’s the reason why I keep on tellin’ everybody, sayin’
(Yea-yeah) whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa-oh-ohh (whoa-ohh-oh)
Oh, hear me now and understand (hear me now and understand)
She gonna find me some peace of mind (gonna find me some peace of mind)
Yeah, and if that peace of mind won’t stay (if that peace of mind don’t stay)
I’m just gonna get myself a better way (I’m gonna get myself a better way)
I might rise above, I might go below
Ride with the tide and go with the flow
And that’s why (that’s why) I keep on shoutin’ in your ears sayin’
Yeah, yeah, yeah, oh
No, no, no, no, no, whoa-whoa, baby (ohh-oh-ohh)
Mockingbird
Yeah (yeah) I might rise above, (I might go below) go below
Ride with the tide (let’s go with the flow)
And that’s why (that’s why) I’m shoutin’ in your ears sayin’
Yeah, yeah, yeah, oh
