Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Like a fish on a hook
Like a knight from an old fashioned book

I have saved all my ribbons for thee
If I have been unkind
I hope that you could just let it go by
And if I have been untrue
I hope you know it was never to you, no, no

Like a baby, stillborn
Like a beast with his horn
I have torn everyone who reached out for me
But I swear by this song
By all I have done wrong

I'll make it all up to you, yes, I will
I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden crutch
He called out to me, "Don't ask for so much"
And a young man leaning on his darkened door
He cried out to me, "Hey, why not ask for more?"

Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free