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 the hook
Like a knight in old fashioned book
I have saved all my ribbons for thee

And if I, if I have been unkind
I hope that you will just let it go by
And if I, if I have been untrue
I hope you know that it was not to you

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
And by all I have done wrong
That I will, I will make it all, all up to thee

I saw a man, a beggar leaning on his crutch
He said to me "Why do you ask for so much?"
There was a woman who've been leaning in the door
She said, "Why not, why not, why not, 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