Bird on a Wire
Embracing Freedom: Pearls Before Swine's Reflections
Lyrics
Like a bird on the wire,
The speaker likens themselves to a bird on a wire, suggesting a sense of vulnerability or constraint.
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
Similar to a drunk in a midnight choir, implying a sense of disorientation or being out of sync with societal norms.
I have tried in my way to be free.
The speaker expresses a persistent effort to find freedom despite challenges in their life.
Like a worm on a hook,
Comparing oneself to a worm on a hook implies a feeling of being trapped or manipulated.
Like a knight from some old fashioned book
Similar to a character from an old-fashioned book, the speaker has kept something precious for a significant other.
I have saved all my ribbons for thee.
The speaker has saved their "ribbons" symbolizing emotional or tangible offerings for a loved one.
If I, if I have been unkind,
If the speaker has been unkind, they hope for forgiveness and understanding.
I hope that you can just let it go by.
Requesting the listener to let go of any unkind actions or words expressed by the speaker.
If I, if I have been untrue
If the speaker has been untrue, they clarify that it was not directed towards the listener.
I hope you know it was never to you.
The speaker hopes for the understanding that any unfaithfulness was not intentional towards the listener.
Like a baby, stillborn,
Using the metaphor of a stillborn baby, the speaker reflects on failed or unrealized beginnings.
Like a beast with his horn
Comparing oneself to a beast with a horn suggests causing harm to those who tried to connect with the speaker.
I have torn everyone who reached out for me.
The speaker acknowledges hurting those who reached out for support or connection.
But I swear by this song
The speaker pledges by the song to make amends for their wrongs.
And by all that I have done wrong
Despite acknowledging past mistakes, the speaker is determined to make things right.
I will make it all up to thee.
A promise to rectify past wrongs and compensate for any pain caused.
I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden crutch,
An encounter with a beggar who advises not to ask for too much, implying contentment with what one has.
He said to me, "You must not ask for so much."
The beggar's counsel serves as a reminder to be modest in desires and expectations.
And a pretty woman leaning in her darkened door,
A beautiful woman suggests asking for more, challenging the idea of settling for less.
She cried to me, "Hey, why not ask for more?"
The woman's encouragement to seek more may symbolize a pursuit of deeper meaning or fulfillment.
Oh like a bird on the wire,
Reiteration of the bird on the wire metaphor, emphasizing the struggle for freedom.
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
Repetition of the drunk in a midnight choir imagery, reinforcing a sense of being out of place or unconventional.
I have tried in my way to be free.
A reaffirmation of the speaker's ongoing attempt to find freedom in their own way.
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