"The Great Speckled Bird" was written by (Rev.) Guy Smith. It was recorded in 1936 by Roy Acuff. 1936 (MCMXXXVI) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... Roy Claxton Acuff (15 September 1903–23 November 1992) was an American country musician. ...

Based on Jeremiah 12:9 Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird ...

One version of this great church song has the following lyrics:

1. What a beautiful thought I am thinking Concerning the Great Speckled Bird Remember her name is recorded On the pages of God's Holy Word.

Refrain: With all the other birds flocking 'round her She is so despised by the squad; The Great Speckled Bird in the Bible Representing the great Church of God.

2. Desiring to lower her standard They watch every move that she makes They long to find fault with her teachings But really they find no mistake.

3. I am glad I have learned of her meekness I am proud that my name is on her book For I want to be one never fearing The face of my Savior to look.

4. When He cometh descending from heaven On the cloud that He writes in His Word I'll be joyfully carried to meet Him On the wings of that great speckled bird.

5. What a wonderful word is recorded By the prophet of God in His Word, Of His church and all those who are faithful And are like to that great speckled bird.

6. With all the other birds flocked against her, They envy her glory in vain, They hate her because she is chosen And has not denied her dear name.

7. She is spreading her wings for a journey She's going to take by and by When the trumpet sounds in that morning She will meet her dear Lord in the sky.

8. In the presence of all her despisers With a song never uttered before, She’ll rise and be gone in a moment For her great tribulations are o'er.

9. I am longing the day of her coming, When friends that are gone I shall see, In robes and a crown of bright glory They are waiting in heaven for me.