Who said “A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”?

Misattributed

Not Maya Angelou. It's commonly credited to them, but the evidence shows it isn't theirs.

What the research foundNot by Maya Angelou. Earliest known source: Joan Walsh Anglund, A Cup of Sun (1967).

Evidence: Quote Investigator · Wikiquote · How we check

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“A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”
MisattributedNot by Maya Angelou. Earliest known source: Joan Walsh Anglund, A Cup of Sun (1967). · evidenceAction
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Cite this quote

APA

“A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” [Quotation attributed to Maya Angelou]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/641-a-bird-doesnt-sing-because-it-has-an/

MLA

“A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” Attributed to Maya Angelou. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/641-a-bird-doesnt-sing-because-it-has-an/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” Attributed to Maya Angelou. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/641-a-bird-doesnt-sing-because-it-has-an/.