3/4, tempo 120, Jazz-Long Notes
Bb F Bb D#
1. Like a bird on the wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir
Bb F Bbsus4 Bb
I have tried in my way to be free.
Bb F Bb D#
Like a worm on a hook, like a knight from some old-fashioned book
Bb F Bbsus4 Bb
I have saved all my ribbons for thee.
D# Bb
If I, if I have been unkind
Cm Bb
I hope that you can just let it go by.
D# Bb
If I, if I have been untrue,
Cm F
I hope you know it was never to you.
Bb F Bb D#
2. Oh like a baby stillborn, like a beast with his horn
Bb F Bbsus4 Bb
I have torn everyone who reached out for me.
Bb F Bb D#
But I swear by this song and by all that I have done wrong
Bb F Bbsus4 Bb
I will make it all up to thee.
D# Bb
I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden crutch
Cm Bb
He said to me, "You must not ask for so much."
D# Bb
And a pretty woman leaning in her darkened door,
Cm F
She cried to me, "Hey, why not ask for more?"
Bb F Bb D#
3. Oh like a bird on the wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir
Bb F D# Bb
I have tried in my way to be free.