Like a bird on a 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 from some old fashioned book
I have saved all my ribbons for thee

And if I have been unkind
I hope you can just let it go by
And if I have been untrue
I hope you know it was never to you

Like a baby stillborn
Like a beast with his horns
I have torn everyone who reached out for me

But I swear by this song
And by all that I have done wrong
I will make it all up to thee

A beggar leaning on a wooden crutch
Said to me, "You must not ask for so much"
And a pretty woman leaning on her darkened door
Cried to me, "Hey, why not ask for more?"

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