The band released one more studio album, Victory Day, and a Symphonic live album, The Symphony Sessions, before Tom Cochrane left the group to pursue a solo career. Members of Red Rider continued to play on his solo albums but Ken Greer did not.
In 2002, Tom Cochrane reunited with Red Rider, and they recorded two new tracks for Trapeze, a greatest hits compilation that includes material both from Red Rider and Tom Cochrane's solo career. They then recorded a new album, No Stranger, although the album was released under Tom Cochrane, not Tom Cochrane and Red Rider, perhaps to capitalize on the success of Tom Cochrane's solo career.
The style between Red Rider, Tom Cochrane & Red Rider, and Tom Cochrane music is very similar musically and lyrically, and Tom Cochrane was the strongest creative force behind Red Rider (thus their name change to Tom Cochrane & Red Rider), so it is arguable that there is any difference between each 'group'.
Bird on a Wire
Tom Cochrane & Red Rider 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, like a worm on a hook
Like a man, in an old fashioned book
I have saved, all my ribbons for you
If I've...If I've been unkind
Like a baby, like a baby still born
Like a beast, like a beast with its horns
I have torn everyone that reached out for me
And I saw a beggar, he was leanin' on his wooden crutch
Then he said to me, "Tom, dont you ask for so much"
Like a bird, Like a bird on a wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Tom Cochrane & Red Rider's song "Bird On a Wire" is a melancholic and introspective piece about a man trying to be free but struggling to live up to his own expectations. The song begins with a simile, comparing oneself to a bird on a wire, which can be interpreted as feeling constrained and vulnerable. This is followed by an allusion to a drunk in a midnight choir, suggesting a sense of desperation and seeking comfort in others.
The chorus reiterates the feeling of being trapped and wishing to be free, using the metaphor of a worm on a hook and a man in an old-fashioned book. These images evoke a sense of powerlessness and being stuck in a narrative that one cannot escape. The line "I have saved all my ribbons for you" is poignant and adds a layer of complexity to the song, suggesting that despite feeling trapped, the singer still longs for connection and love.
In the second verse, the lyrics become more self-critical as the singer acknowledges his own faults and the pain he has caused others. The line "Like a baby, like a baby still born" is particularly powerful and evocative, creating a sense of loss and sadness. The song ends with the image of a beggar, reminding the singer to be grateful for what he has and not to ask for too much.
Line by Line Meaning
Like a bird, like a bird on a wire
Feeling trapped and constrained, just like a bird on a wire
Like a drunk, in a midnight choir
Feeling lost and disconnected, like a drunk person singing in a choir at midnight
I have tried, in my way to be free
Despite feeling constrained, I have tried to be free in my own way
Like a worm, like a worm on a hook
Feeling powerless and helpless, just like a worm on a hook
Like a man, in an old fashioned book
Feeling like a character from an old fashioned book, stuck in their ways
I have saved, all my ribbons for you
I have been holding onto something special for you, saving it up for the right moment
If I've...If I've been unkind
If my actions have been hurtful to you
Then I hope, you'll just let it pass on by
I hope that you can forgive me and let it go
Like a baby, like a baby still born
Feeling like something inside me has died or never had a chance to live, just like a stillborn baby
Like a beast, like a beast with its horns
Feeling angry and aggressive like a wild animal with its horns out
I have torn everyone that reached out for me
I have hurt the people who have tried to help me, maybe unintentionally
And I saw a beggar, he was leanin' on his wooden crutch
I saw someone who had very little and was struggling to get by
Then he said to me, "Tom, dont you ask for so much"
He gave me advice, telling me not to be so greedy and to appreciate what I have
Like a bird, Like a bird on a wire
Feeling trapped and constrained, just like a bird on a wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
Feeling lost and disconnected, like a drunk person singing in a choir at midnight
I have tried in my way to be free
Despite feeling constrained, I have tried to be free in my own way
Contributed by Eli L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Kevin Morgan
Great cover full of bittersweet memories.
Ted Cottingham
A great cover!
Ha Nif
amazing cover
Liana S
I was there! I was even backstage to meet him. If I remember correctly Idle Eyes opened for them?
Im A Lifetime SOLDIER
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