Like a bird on a wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my own way to be free
Like a worm on a hook
Like a knight from some old fashioned book
I have saved all my ribbons just for you

And if I have been unkind
I hope that you will just let it go right on by
And if I have been untrue
I hope you know 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 old song
By all, all I've done wrong
I will make it, I'm gonna make it all up to you, yes I will

I saw a beggar man leaning on his wooden crutch
And he said to me, 'You must not ask for so much'
And a pretty woman leaning in her door
She cried to me, 'Hey, why not ask for more?'

Oh, like a bird on a wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my own way to be free, yes
Oh, I have tried in my own way to be free, to be free