“Birds In My Tree”

“Birds In My Tree” is the second track on Strawberry Alarm Clock’s 1967 album Incense And Peppermints. It was later chosen as the b-side of a single.

A short and conventional pop song, “Birds In My Tree” features vaguely psychedelic touches in its adventurous melody, lyrical references to drugs and a new ideal existence, and a real sense of wonder:

“Hand me my bag, Frederick
Stretch out your mind, feel good”

“Come live a better life
All is what you strive for
And now there are many birds in my tree”

“Birds In My Tree” begins with a tough, distorted guitar-led instrumental intro, extending the long chaotic mania of the preceding track “The World’s On Fire”. But soon it levels out into a calmer psych-pop sound. For this reason it’s a great transition piece on the album, marrying the strengths of the band (tough electric attack, and blissful pop loveliness) together in one simple song.

And, as always on the Incense And Peppermints LP, there’s a hint of psychedelic weirdness bubbling phantasmagorically just below the surface.

“Birds In My Tree” appears on…

Incense And Peppermints (1967)
“Tomorrow” b/w “Birds In My Tree” (1968)
The Best Of Strawberry Alarm Clock (1970)
Incense & Peppermints (1990)
Strawberries Mean Love (1992)