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 I swear by all that I have done wrong
I will make it all up to thee.
I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden crutch.
Now, he said to me "You must not ask for so much."
And a pretty woman leaning in her darkened door,
She cried to me, "Why not ask for more?"
Like a bird on the wire and like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my own way to be free.
Oh I tried, oh I tried, oh I tried, oh I tried.
Oh I tried, oh I tried, oh I tried, oh I tried.
Oh I tried in my own way to be free.