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High Flying Bird
The story behind the song
This song paints a stark contrast between freedom and earthly struggle, as the high-flying bird in the sky represents a liberty the singer longs for but cannot attain. The lyrics speak of a past love for a man who worked in a mine, grounding the singer in a life of hardship and despair, even hinting at a sense of impending doom. Originally written by Billy Edd Wheeler, this influential folk-rock tune was recorded by many musicians, with Judy Henske's powerful 1963 version being an early notable recording. It's a song that channels the ache of being tethered to the ground while dreams soar far above.
Story time
High Flying Bird
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High Flying Bird
by Jefferson Airplane
Chords in this song · guitar
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Lyrics and compositions © their respective songwriters and publishers. Free for personal practice.
About High Flying Bird Chords by Jefferson Airplane
Learn how to play High Flying Bird by Jefferson Airplane with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “High Flying Bird chords”, “High Flying Bird guitar chords”, or “Jefferson Airplane High Flying Bird chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy High Flying Bird chords and for experienced players who want accurate High Flying Bird lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Bm, E, F#7, G, A, F#m.
FAQ — High Flying Bird by Jefferson Airplane
How do I play "High Flying Bird" by Jefferson Airplane on guitar?
Open the free chords for "High Flying Bird" by Jefferson Airplane on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.
Are the chords for "High Flying Bird" by Jefferson Airplane free?
Yes. The chords for "High Flying Bird" by Jefferson Airplane are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.
Can I transpose "High Flying Bird" to a different key?
Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "High Flying Bird" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.
Can I see chord diagrams for "High Flying Bird"?
Yes. Tap any chord in "High Flying Bird" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.
Is "High Flying Bird" easy to play on guitar?
Many players learn "High Flying Bird" by Jefferson Airplane with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Jefferson Airplane below.
What key is "High Flying Bird" in?
The chords for "High Flying Bird" show the original chord names (including Bm, E, F#7, G, A, F#m). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.