[Verse 1]
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Like a worm on a hook
Like a knight in an old-fashioned book
I have saved all my ribbons for thee

[Bridge]
If I, if I've been unkind
I hope you will let it pass by
If I, if I've been untrue
I hope you know it was never to you

[Verse 2]
Like a baby, stillborn
Like a beast with his horn
I have torn everything that reached out for me
But I swear by this song
And by all things I have done wrong
I will make it all up to thee

[Bridge]
A cripple leaning on his wooden crutch
He told me, "Don't ask for too much"
And a lady leaning out of a door
Said, "Why not ask for more?"
[Outro]
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free