BIRD ON A WIRE
Words and music by Leonard Cohen
As recorded by Leonard Cohen on "The Lost Sessions" (1968)

Like a bird on the wire,
Like a drunk in a midnight choir,
I have tried in my way to be free.
Like the 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,
I hope that you can just let it go by.
And if I, 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 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, "Do not ask for so much."
And a 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 a old midnight choir,
I have tried in my way to be free.