Bird On the Wire
Freedom's Melody: Unveiling the Soulful Tale of 'Bird On the Wire'
Lyrics
Like a bird on the wire,
Expresses a feeling of vulnerability and entanglement, akin to a bird on a wire.
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
Compares the narrator's situation to that of a drunk in a midnight choir, suggesting a sense of disorder or chaos.
I have tried in my way to be free.
Describes the narrator's attempt to find freedom in their own way.
Like a worm on a hook,
Uses the metaphor of a worm on a hook, possibly indicating a feeling of being trapped or manipulated.
Like a knight from some old fashioned book
Compares the narrator's experiences to those of a character from an old-fashioned book, implying a sense of nostalgia or outdated ideals.
I have saved all my ribbons for thee.
Suggests that the narrator has kept something valuable (ribbons) for someone special.
If I, if I have been unkind,
The narrator acknowledges the possibility of being unkind and hopes for forgiveness or understanding.
I hope that you can just let it go by.
Reiterates the hope that any unkindness can be overlooked or forgiven.
If I, if I have been untrue
The narrator admits the possibility of being untrue but clarifies that it was not directed at the listener.
I hope you know it was never to you.
Assures the listener that any untruthfulness was not aimed at them.
Like a baby, stillborn,
Compares the narrator's struggles to a stillborn baby, indicating emotional pain and loss.
Like a beast with his horn
Uses the image of a beast with a horn to convey the harm caused to those who tried to help the narrator.
I have torn everyone who reached out for me.
Expresses the narrator's role in pushing away those who reached out for support.
But I swear by this song
The narrator swears by the song, suggesting a deep commitment to their art.
And by all that I have done wrong
Acknowledges past mistakes and expresses a determination to make amends.
I will make it all up to thee.
Commits to making up for the wrongs done to a specific person ("thee").
I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden crutch,
Describes an encounter with a beggar advising against asking for too much, possibly reflecting on the narrator's desires.
He said to me, "You must not ask for so much."
Offers a lesson in contentment or moderation from the beggar.
And a pretty woman leaning in her darkened door,
Introduces a pretty woman encouraging the narrator to ask for more, possibly highlighting contrasting perspectives on life.
She cried to me, "Hey, why not ask for more?"
Quotes the woman's encouragement to seek more, adding to the exploration of desires and aspirations.
Oh like a bird on the wire,
Repeats the comparison of the narrator to a bird on the wire, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for freedom.
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
Reiterates the chaotic feeling with the metaphor of a drunk in a midnight choir.
I have tried in my way to be free.
Restates the narrator's attempt to find freedom in their own way, completing the song with a sense of ongoing effort.
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