In today’s post, I’d like to discuss the Army Yellow Bird Cadence. This is one of my all-time favorite Army cadences. My first memory of this cadence is when my Drill Sergeants at Fort Jackson, South Carolina sang it in the mid-1990s. I was mesmerized and excited to hear it. It was simple, humorous, and enjoyable to repeat.
As my military career progressed, I continued to hear this cadence sung by many talented NCOs and Soldiers. I’ve heard many variations of the Army Yellow Bird Cadence. Some were funny some were inappropriate, some versions were boring, and some versions were completely unique to the person calling it.
I can’t remember every version I heard, but the one below really stands out to me. If I remember right, it goes something like this:
Army Yellow Bird Cadence
Verse # 1
A yellow bird
With a yellow bill
Was sitting on
My window sill
I lured him in
With a piece of bread
And then I smashed his
Little head…
Verse # 2
A second bird
Flew in my house
I hunted him down
Like a cat and mouse
And when I caught him
I snatched his soul
And then I flushed him
Down the toilet bowl…
Verse # 3
A flock of birds
They have it made
Until they meet
My hand grenade
I pulled the pin
I threw it far
The blood and guts
Hit passing cars…
Keep in mind, it’s been several years since I last heard the Yellow Bird Cadence.
Tips for Calling the Cadence
Rhythm
If you’re going to sing this cadence, try to have some rhythm and stay in step.
Pronounce the Words Properly & Slow
Make sure you pronounce the words slowly and properly, so people can understand what you are saying.
Have Fun
Finally, have fun and mix up the words as you see fit. Just make sure you don’t so add in anything crazy that might get you in trouble, in today’s politically correct military.
Final Thoughts
What are your thoughts about the Army Yellow Bird Cadence? What version is your favorite and why? When did you first hear it? Leave a comment below to let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for your service. Hooah!
Other Posts You Might Enjoy:
- Top Marching Cadences
- Top Running Cadences
- How to Improve Your Run Time
- How to Max Out the APFT
- Army Drill Sergeants
And here are some books and audio programs on Amazon I found that you might like.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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