Like a bird on a wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Like a fish on a hook
Like a knight in an old fashioned book
I have saved all my ribbons with thee

And if I have been unkind
I hope you will 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 horn
I have torn everyone who reached out for me

But I swear by this song
By all I have done wrong
I'll make it all up to you

I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden crutch
He called out to me "Don't ask for so much"
And a young man leaning on his darkened door
He cried out 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