Bird on a Wire
Freedom's Reflections: "Bird on a Wire" Lyrics' Meaning Unveiled
Lyrics
Like a bird on the wire,
Expresses a feeling of vulnerability and exposure, comparing oneself to a bird on a wire.
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
Likens the speaker's state to that of a drunk in a midnight choir, suggesting a sense of disarray.
I have tried in my way to be free.
Describes the speaker's attempt to find freedom in their own way.
Like a worm on a hook,
Uses the metaphor of a worm on a hook, indicating a sense of being trapped or controlled.
Like a knight from some old fashioned book
Compares the speaker to a knight from an old-fashioned book, perhaps alluding to a sense of chivalry or romanticism.
I have saved all my ribbons for thee.
Suggests that the speaker has preserved something valuable (ribbons) for someone special.
If I, if I have been unkind,
Acknowledges the possibility of the speaker being unkind and expresses a hope for forgiveness.
I hope that you can just let it go by.
Asks for understanding and the ability to let go of any unkindness on the speaker's part.
If I, if I have been untrue
Admits the potential for being untrue but clarifies that it was not directed towards the person being addressed.
I hope you know it was never to you.
Emphasizes that any untruthfulness was not intended for the person in question.
Like a baby, stillborn,
Draws a poignant comparison to a stillborn baby, possibly conveying a sense of loss or failure.
Like a beast with his horn
Compares the speaker to a beast with a horn, hinting at a destructive or intimidating aspect of the speaker's nature.
I have torn everyone who reached out for me.
Admits to causing harm to those who tried to connect with the speaker.
But I swear by this song
Swears by the sincerity of the song, expressing a commitment to make amends.
And by all that I have done wrong
Recognizes past mistakes and vows to rectify them.
I will make it all up to thee.
Promises to make up for the wrongs committed.
I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden crutch,
Describes an encounter with a beggar who advises against asking for too much.
He said to me, "You must not ask for so much."
Shares the beggar's cautionary words about not being overly ambitious or demanding.
And a pretty woman leaning in her darkened door,
Depicts a scene with a pretty woman encouraging the speaker to ask for more, possibly highlighting conflicting advice.
She cried to me, "Hey, why not ask for more?"
Reflects the woman's suggestion to seek more, implying a tension between contentment and ambition.
Oh like a bird on the wire,
Repeats the earlier comparison of the speaker to a bird on a wire, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for freedom.
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
Reiterates the image of a drunk in a midnight choir, underscoring the sense of disorder and chaos.
I have tried in my way to be free.
Restates the speaker's endeavor to be free, reinforcing the central theme of the song.
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