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This is a medley made up of the choruses of two R&B classics by the '60s Doo-Wop group The Rivingtons: "The Bird Is the Word" and "Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow." The brainchild of Trashmen drummer Steve Wahrer, the song was a quirky and consumable hit, boldly combining Surf music with novelty R&B. The Trashmen were a garage band from Minneapolis, which isn't surfing territory. Despite critical acclaim, they managed just one more minor hit before disbanding in the late '60s: the 1964 #30 "Bird Dance Beat."

When this became a hit, The Rivingtons were awarded writing credit for the song, since it was based on their compositions. This was a huge financial benefit, as they receive royalties every time the song is used in a movie, TV show or commercial. The song has been used in the movies E.T., Full Metal Jacket and Pink Flamingos, and also in the video game Battlefield Vietnam. Pee Wee Herman sang it in the movie Back To The Beach.

Artists to cover this song include The Cramps, The Ramones and Silverchair.

This song was featured on a Family Guy episode entitled "I Dream of Jesus." After it was screened on BBC2 in April 2009, this song entered the top 75 of the UK charts for the first time. (thanks, Brandon - West Nyack, NY)

Comments:

the dance for this song is the cripwalk
- Eduardo, toronto, ON

This song was the funniest part in the Family Guy Episode "I Dream Of Jesus".
- JJ, Washington, DC

I believe the songs "Surfin' Bird" and "Wooly Bully," along with "Mickey Mouse," were featured in the movie FULL METAL JACKET to show just what mindless sheep we were in 1968, being led to the slaughter by the profiteers of the Military Industrial Complex, who had already murdered our dreamers, the Kennedy Brothers and Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Larry, New York City, NY

Back in 1976-77, Detroit radio stations played this song constantly. Mark "The Bird" Fidrych, a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers was so popular that this song took off and became his "theme". Many other teams wanted to have him pitch when the Tigers came to their stadiums because of the huge numbers of fans coming to see "The Bird".
- Tim, El Paso, TX

Jim, That was the funniest episode since "Barley Legal"
- Jeana, Sterling Heights, MI

the only element of surf music hinted at in this song is the rhythm.
- Dante, Milwaukee, WI

The song appeared on "The Family Guy" episode "I dream of Jesus". The song ended up being the main theme throughout the entire episode.
- Jim, Providence, RI

During Arizona Cardinals home games this song is played while the mascot- a big red bird- is shooting t-shirts into the stands during TV time-outs. I realize nobody but me cares about the Cards but it has introduced this song to a lot of people in the crowd.
- Dave, Scottsdale, AZ

Featured in the computer game "Battlefield Vietnam" by Electronic Arts.
- Arthur, Sydney, Australia

I believe the writers of the Rivington's songs sued the Trashmen and won a plagarism suit. This song also covered by the Ramones.
- Don, Newmarket, Canada

Dallas Frazier did write "Elvira," but not any of the Rivingtons' songs. (he also wrote "Alley Oop" as performed by the Hollywood Argyles) Al Frazier was a memeber of the Rivingtons, and he is the Frazier on the songwriting credit.
- Eric, Salt Lake City, UT

Played in the movie "Full Metal Jacket".
- JOHN, BOWIE, MD