Bird on a Wire
Linda S. Collins Lyrics
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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.
In Linda S. Collins's song "Bird on a Wire," the singer compares themselves to a bird on a wire or a drunk in a midnight choir, meaning they feel constrained or trapped, unable to fully participate in life. The singer acknowledges that they have tried in their own way to be free, but they feel like a worm on a hook or a knight from an old fashioned book - stuck in a role they did not choose.
The singer admits to being unkind or untrue, but hopes that those they have hurt will forgive them. They compare themselves to a stillborn baby or a beast with his horn - destructive and unable to form healthy relationships with others. However, the singer swears by the song and their ability to make up for their past mistakes.
The lyrics also reference encounters with others, including a beggar and a pretty woman. The beggar counsels the singer not to ask for too much, while the woman encourages the singer to ask for more. These interactions reflect the singer's struggles with finding a balance between desire and contentment.
Overall, "Bird on a Wire" is a reflection on the human experience of feeling trapped or stuck, the damage we can do to ourselves and others, and the hope for redemption and growth.
Line by Line Meaning
Like a bird on the wire,
Similar to a bird stuck on a wire, I have found myself in difficult situations.
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
Like a person very drunk and just going through the motion of something, so have I been trying to do things half-heartedly.
I have tried in my way to be free.
I have attempted to find freedom in my own personal interpretation of things.
Like a worm on a hook,
Similar to a worm being forced into a hook, I have also been subject to unease.
Like a knight from some old fashioned book
Like a character from an ancient tale, I have held on to significant items for someone special.
I have saved all my ribbons for thee.
I have kept all of my cherished possessions for you, the person I most care about.
If I, if I have been unkind,
On the off chance that I have been rude,
I hope that you can just let it go by.
I hope that you can forgive me and not hold grudges.
If I, if I have been untrue
On the off chance that I have lied,
I hope you know it was never to you.
You should know that I was never dishonest with you.
Like a baby, stillborn,
Similar to a baby that is born dead,
Like a beast with his horn
Like an animal with its horn,
I have torn everyone who reached out for me.
I have devastated everyone who has ever tried to get near me.
But I swear by this song
But I vow through this music
And by all that I have done wrong
And by everything I have done incorrectly
I will make it all up to thee.
I will compensate for everything I have done wrong to you.
I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden crutch,
I saw an impoverished person dependent on a cane,
He said to me, "You must not ask for so much."
He conveyed to me, "You should not want everything."
And a pretty woman leaning in her darkened door,
Also, I saw a beautiful woman standing in the shade of her house,
She cried to me, "Hey, why not ask for more?"
She asked me passionately, "Why not desire better?"
Oh like a bird on the wire,
Oh, similar to a bird stuck on a wire,
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
Like an intoxicated person singing with a group of people in the night,
I have tried in my way to be free.
I have tried to discover my own particular way of being liberated.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joseluistorres7942
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.
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.
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.
@debrahousch9881
Aaron Neville is in a class of his own. Absolutely wonderful. Most beautiful voice I have ever heard.
@hansgunner9733
Mel Gibson, Goldie Hawn. Great memories
@jackrussell9497
How can there be so many thumbs down. This mans voice is the greatest instrument that has graced this planet.
@elizabethrobello6750
Beautiful in the extreme
@Armageddon-qo4wy
All those jealous husband's.
@d29f56
Some prefer the original version from leonard cohen, i love both
@AlexanderStHill
Who says
@sjonnieplayfull5859
Maybe some do not believe the one posting is Aaron Neville himself?
@ileac7122
God has blessed Aaron Neville w/ a beautiful singing voice.
@kenfrancis3477
He has to be one of the most underrated singers.he really possess an angelic voice.