[Verse 1]
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free

[Verse 2]
Like a worm on a hook
Like a knight from some old-fashioned book
I have saved all my ribbons for Thee

[Bridge]
If I, if I have been unkind
I hope you'll just let it go by
If I, if I have been untrue
I hope you'll know it was never to you

[Verse 3]
Like a babe (A babe) stillborn (born)
Like a beast with his horn
I have torn everyone who reached out for me

[Verse 4]
But I swear by this song
And by all I have done wrong
I will make it all up to Thee
[Bridge]
I saw a beggar leanin' on his wooden crutch
And he said to me "You must not ask for so much"
And a pretty woman leaning in her darkened door
She cried to me "Why not, oh why don't you ask for more?"

[Verse 5]
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free, to be free