The phrase “bird is the word” originates from the 1963 song “Surfin’ Bird” by the rock band The Trashmen. This quirky song became a recurring gag and eventually a iconic element of the popular animated sitcom Family Guy. But in which specific episode did “bird is the word” first appear and truly take flight in the Family Guy universe? Let’s take a look.
History of “Surfin’ Bird” and “Bird is the Word”
“Surfin’ Bird” was released as a single by The Trashmen in 1963. The song combines fragments from two R&B hits from the 1960s: “Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow” by The Rivingtons and “The Bird’s the Word” by The Rivingtons. With its repetitive lyrics (“Papa-oom-mow-mow-mow / Papa-oom-a-mow-mow”) and manic energy, “Surfin’ Bird” became a surprise hit for The Trashmen, reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Though the song faded into obscurity after its initial success, it experienced a revival in pop culture in the late 1990s. The Ramones began performing high-octane punk rock covers of “Surfin’ Bird” during their live shows. Additionally, the song was featured in the soundtrack to the 1998 Spanish film Airbag, gaining exposure to new generations of listeners.
By the early 2000s, “Surfin Bird” had become somewhat of an absurdist inside joke and internet meme. The repetitive and unhinged nature of the song made it perfect fodder for irony and surreal humor. This cultivated interest primed the song to be discovered by the creators of Family Guy and incorporated into the show’s own irreverent style of comedy.
The First Appearance of “Bird is the Word” on Family Guy
“Surfin’ Bird” and the phrase “bird is the word” first appeared on Family Guy during Season 5, Episode 8: “Meet the Quagmires.” The episode originally aired on May 20, 2007.
In the episode, Peter Griffin travels back in time to 1984 and crosses paths with a younger version of his wife Lois, before she met Peter. Young Lois is shown dancing and enjoying herself at a wild party. The song “Surfin’ Bird” by The Trashmen plays during this scene, establishing “bird is the word” as the catchphrase for Lois’ carefree, youthful spirit.
Peter takes advantage of the opportunity to court teenage Lois so that when he returns to the present, Lois will have married him instead of Quagmire. The “bird is the word” reference underscores how Peter aims to recapture a more vibrant, romantic version of Lois from earlier in her life.
Why “Surfin’ Bird” Was Chosen for This Scene
The genius of introducing “Surfin’ Bird” to Family Guy in this scene is how the absurdity and delirious energy of the song meshes perfectly with Peter Griffin’s own over-the-top, ridiculous personality.
Show creator Seth MacFarlane is known for his encyclopedic knowledge of pop culture obscurities and old novelty songs. He likely dug up “Surfin’ Bird” specifically for the time travel subplot of this episode. The song selection serves as a nostalgic callback to the youth culture of the 1980s and highlights the free-wheeling, party atmosphere that the young Lois represents.
Beyond its literal connection to the past, the repetitive chanting of “bird is the word” creates a hypnotic feel that sucks viewers into Peter’s tampering with time. The meme-worthy silliness of the song becomes the perfect soundtrack for Peter’s efforts to recreate history to his liking. In just a few minutes of screen time, Family Guy successfully resurrected this novelty song as fodder for comedy.
Recurrence of “Bird is the Word” as a Running Gag
The use of “Surfin’ Bird” and “bird is the word” in “Meet the Quagmires” was just the beginning. Over the next several seasons of Family Guy, references to “bird is the word” became one of the show’s most relentlessly repeated running gags.
Sometimes just a brief musical snippet of the song is inserted. Other times, characters spontaneously break into full-on covers of “Surfin’ Bird,” as if possessed. In the Season 7 episode “I Dream of Jesus,” Peter even goes on a rampage violently attacking anyone who says “bird is the word,” since he has grown so annoyed with the repetitive joke.
At this point, the “bird is the word” running joke embodies the show’s signature brand of anti-humor. By relentlessly driving an already ridiculous song into the ground, the writers milk it for increasingly absurdist humor. The joke also allows the show to revel in non sequiturs and cornerstones of internet viral weirdness.
Notable “Bird is the Word” Moments
Here are some standout moments when “bird is the word” took flight in Family Guy episodes:
Season 6, Episode 12 – “Long John Peter”
In the opening courtroom scene, jurors recite “the bird is the word” repeatedly until Judge Dignan yells, “If I hear ‘bird is the word’ one more time, I will kill all of you!”
Season 7, Episode 2 – “I Dream of Jesus”
Peter goes on a violent rampage against anyone repeating “bird is the word”, which leads to mass murder and destruction around Quahog.
Season 7, Episode 7 – “Ocean’s Three and a Half”
The song plays as Peter dances down the sidewalk in celebration after cheating Joe out of lottery winnings.
Season 7, Episode 16 – “Peter’s Progress”
Peter begins chanting “bird is the word” during the American Revolutionary War, leading to the British killing his compatriots in annoyance.
Season 9, Episode 15 – “Brothers & Sisters”
Lois’ sister Carol spontaneously breaks into “Surfin’ Bird” when the family finds her house in shambles.
Season 18, Episode 8 – “Shanksgiving”
Peter leads the family in a “Surfin’ Bird” cover performance, but they stop abruptly when Chris says he wants to see other people.
Conclusion
Starting as just an amusing throwback tune in a time travel-themed episode, “the bird is the word” evolved into one of Family Guy’s most iconic long-running gags. The absurdity of the repetitive phrase perfectly matched the show’s irreverent style of humor.
While “Surfin’ Bird” first ruffled feathers in the Season 5 episode “Meet the Quagmires,” its enduring legacy as a joke on Family Guy solidified this novelty song as a staple reference in the show’s universe. Over many seasons, the writers found endless variations to integrate “bird is the word” into episodes – often at the most inappropriate, ridiculous times possible. Through sheer repetition, the show transformed an obscure 1960s rock curio into comedy gold.
Season | Episode | “Bird is the Word” Moment |
---|---|---|
Season 5 | Episode 8 “Meet the Quagmires” | Plays during scene of teenage Lois dancing at wild party |
Season 6 | Episode 12 “Long John Peter” | Jurors repeatedly say “the bird is the word” |
Season 7 | Episode 2 “I Dream of Jesus” | Peter attacks anyone who says “bird is the word” |
Season 7 | Episode 7 “Ocean’s Three and a Half” | Peter dances to song after cheating Joe out of lottery winnings |
Season 7 | Episode 16 “Peter’s Progress” | Peter says it during American Revolution, leading British to kill his compatriots |
Season 9 | Episode 15 “Brothers & Sisters” | Lois’ sister Carol spontaneously sings “Surfin’ Bird” |
Season 18 | Episode 8 “Shanksgiving” | Family sings “Surfin’ Bird” but stops when Chris interrupts |