Bird on a Wire
Freedom's Struggle: Bird on a Wire
Lyrics
Like a bird on the wire,
Compares oneself to a bird on a wire, suggesting vulnerability or constraint.
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
Likens oneself to a drunk in a midnight choir, possibly indicating a sense of disarray or chaos.
I have tried in my way to be free.
Expresses an attempt to achieve freedom in one's own way.
Like a worm on a hook,
Compares oneself to a worm on a hook, evoking a feeling of being trapped or ensnared.
Like a knight from some old fashioned book
Likens oneself to a knight from an old-fashioned book, possibly implying a sense of chivalry or an idealized past.
I have saved all my ribbons for thee.
Expresses the dedication of personal efforts or achievements symbolized by ribbons.
If I, if I have been unkind,
Acknowledges the possibility of having been unkind and hopes for forgiveness or understanding.
I hope that you can just let it go by.
Encourages letting go of any unkindness or mistakes.
If I, if I have been untrue
Admits the possibility of being untrue but clarifies it was not directed at the listener.
I hope you know it was never to you.
Assures that any untruth was not intended for the person being addressed.
Like a baby, stillborn,
Draws a poignant comparison to a stillborn baby, indicating loss or unfulfilled potential.
Like a beast with his horn
Compares oneself to a beast with a horn, possibly symbolizing a wild or untamed nature.
I have torn everyone who reached out for me.
Describes a history of hurting those who tried to connect emotionally.
But I swear by this song
Promises redemption or restitution by swearing on the sincerity of the song.
And by all that I have done wrong
Acknowledges past wrongs and mistakes.
I will make it all up to thee.
Commits to making amends and compensating for the mistakes.
I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden crutch,
Observation of a beggar advising against asking for too much, implying contentment with what one has.
He said to me, "You must not ask for so much."
The beggar's caution may suggest a general reluctance to seek too much in life.
And a pretty woman leaning in her darkened door,
Depicts a pretty woman encouraging the speaker to ask for more, contrasting with the beggar's advice.
She cried to me, "Hey, why not ask for more?"
Reflects the woman's openness to seeking more or challenging societal norms.
Oh like a bird on the wire,
Reiterates the bird on the wire metaphor, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for freedom.
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
Reprises the image of a drunk in a midnight choir, suggesting a continued sense of disorder.
I have tried in my way to be free.
Reaffirms the ongoing attempt to be free, concluding the song.
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