1) Adam Cohen (born Septem… Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one artist with this name:
1) Adam Cohen (born September 18, 1972) is a Canadian musician and singer-songwriter.
2) Adam Cohen is an American jazz bassist.
1) Adam Cohen (born September 18, 1972, in Montreal; the son of Leonard Cohen) is a Canadian musician, singer-songwriter, and frontman of the band Low Millions. As a recording artist, he has released several major label albums, including one in French. Currently residing in Los Angeles, he was signed by Columbia Records in 1997 and achieved some success as a songwriter, co-writing "Lullaby in Blue" later recorded by Bette Midler.
His 1998 debut album was well-regarded critically but not commerically. After this he decided to focus on French-language material and was signed to Capitol Records Canada, which released Mélancolista.
In 2007, Cohen effectively quit the music business. In 2004 he returned in the Low Millions project.
In 2012 his album,"Like A Man", was released. His album "We Go Home" was released in September 2014.
2) Adam Cohen is an American jazz bassist. In 2006 he released the album "Ritual".
Bird on a Wire
Adam Cohen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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.
If I, if I have been unkind,
I hope that you can just let it go by.
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
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?"
Oh like a bird on the wire,
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free.
The lyrics of Adam Cohen's song "Bird On The Wire" is about the struggles of trying to find freedom and purpose in life. In the song, the singer compares themselves to a bird on a wire or a drunk in a midnight choir, both of which can be seen as isolated figures who are searching for something beyond their current state. Throughout the song, the singer admits to making mistakes and hurting others in the process of finding their own way, but they also vow to make it up to those they have wronged.
The first verse contains two similes, one comparing the singer to a bird on a wire and another to a drunk in a midnight choir. These comparisons suggest that the singer is alone in their search for freedom and that they are struggling to find their way. The second verse continues with two more similes, one comparing the singer to a worm on a hook and the other to a knight from an old-fashioned book. The former suggests that the singer feels trapped and helpless, while the latter implies that the singer is on a noble quest, despite the difficulties they face.
The final two verses feature encounters with a beggar and a pretty woman, both of whom offer advice to the singer. While the beggar warns the singer not to ask for too much, the woman encourages them to ask for more. These encounters seem to represent different perspectives on life and what it means to find freedom and fulfillment. Overall, the song delivers a message of hope and redemption, as the singer acknowledges their mistakes and promises to make things right.
Line by Line Meaning
Like a bird on the wire,
I feel trapped and vulnerable in my current situation, just like a bird perched on a wire above the world.
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I feel like an outcast amongst my peers because of my unconventional behavior and beliefs.
I have tried in my way to be free.
Despite my circumstances, I have attempted to find my own sense of freedom and independence in the world.
Like a worm on a hook,
Sometimes I feel like I am powerless and being used or manipulated, like a worm on a hook waiting to be caught.
Like a knight from some old fashioned book
I see myself as being chivalrous and honorable, like a knight from a romanticized era of the past.
I have saved all my ribbons for thee.
I have held onto every piece of myself and my love for you, even through the toughest trials and tribulations.
If I, if I have been unkind,
I acknowledge that I may have hurt or wronged you in some way, whether intentionally or not.
I hope that you can just let it go by.
I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me and move on from my past mistakes.
If I, if I have been untrue
I understand that I may have betrayed your trust or faith in me.
I hope you know it was never to you.
I want you to know that any dishonesty or infidelity was not a reflection of my love and commitment to you.
Like a baby, stillborn,
I have experienced the tragic loss and pain of something that was never given the chance to fully come to life, just like a stillborn baby.
Like a beast with his horn
At times, I have acted impulsively and aggressively, like a wild animal trying to fend off a perceived threat.
I have torn everyone who reached out for me.
I have pushed away and caused pain to those who have tried to offer me comfort, support, or love.
But I swear by this song
I am making a promise and a vow to you through the words of this song.
And by all that I have done wrong
I acknowledge my past mistakes and take responsibility for my actions.
I will make it all up to thee.
I am determined to make amends and do everything in my power to repair our relationship and show my love for you.
I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden crutch,
I witnessed someone living a life of struggle and adversity, with very little to their name.
He said to me, "You must not ask for so much."
The beggar warned me not to be too greedy or selfish in my pursuits, because it could end up causing more harm than good.
And a pretty woman leaning in her darkened door,
I saw a beautiful and mysterious woman who was hiding behind closed doors, keeping her true self hidden from the world.
She cried to me, "Hey, why not ask for more?"
The woman encouraged me to be bold and confident in chasing after my desires, instead of shying away from them due to fear or doubt.
Oh like a bird on the wire,
Once again, I feel trapped and vulnerable, with no clear direction or escape from my current situation.
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I still feel like an outcast amongst my peers, even as I continue to search for my own sense of freedom and independence.
I have tried in my way to be free.
Despite all of my struggles and setbacks, I remain determined to find my own path in life and be true to myself.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Leonard Cohen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Constantina Kalimeris
Loved it :) What's wrong with singing his Dad's song? so many other performers have sung Leonard Cohen songs anyway? It's not a contest, it's just a singer sharing his interpretation of beautiful lyrics
Romy A
Not a thing- it's an Homage
Claudia Robot
Much better than Johnny Cash!
Claudia Robot
I could sing back up vocals with Adam I think ! Love him!
Mariontl
I totally agree Constantina ! And Adam is a great singer and song writer in his own right. I love to hear him sing his father's songs, especially now since the loss of Leonard.
Robin Orfe
Wow!!! This kid is drop dead gorgeous!!! I sure prefer his dad's voice, but the kid does a pretty darned good job. Dad must be VERY proud.
Chester Donnelly
I loved Leonard Cohen. I have only just discovered Adam Cohen. He's fantastic.
Lesa Babb
I would listen to Adam Cohen sing names and addresses from the phone book. Lucky for us his father was one of the world's most gifted songwriters. So sad for the senior Cohen's passing and grateful for the gift of his son.
Lidi Robinson
Loved your father and so sad for your loss. What a great entertainer, and you obviously are amazing.
mariopanacci
Love this - takes the song to new places and faces and that's what every song hopes for.