Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
This is the opening song to 1969’s Songs from a Room. It’s a kind of Cohen’s own “My Way.” Country musician Kris Kristofferson has stated he wants the first three lines on his gravestone when it’s his time. Cohen said he’d be insulted if Kristofferson didn’t.
On the 2009 Greatest Hits compilation t...
[Verse 1]
Like a bird on the 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
[Bridge 1]
If I, if I have been unkind
I hope that you can just let it go by
If I, if I have been untrue
I hope you know it was never to you
[Verse 2]
Oh 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
[Bridge 2]
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?"
[Outro]
Oh like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Bird on the Wire was written by Leonard Cohen.
Bird on the Wire was produced by Bob Johnston.
Leonard Cohen released Bird on the Wire on Mon Apr 07 1969.