Like a bird on the wire E H7
Like a drunk in midnight choir E A
I have tried in my way to be free. E H E

Like a worm on a hook
Like a knight from some old-fashioned book
I have saved all my ribbons for thee

If I, if I have been unkind A E
I hope that you can just let it go by fis E
If I, if I have untrue A E
I hope you know it was never to you. fis H7

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 that I have done wrong
I will make it all up to thee

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

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