Bird On The Wire
Leonard Cohen · Complete Studio Albums Collection [2011]
like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
like a worm on the hook
like a knight from some old-fashiond book
I have saved all my ribbons for thee
and if I have been unkind
I hope that you will just let it go by
and if I have been untrue
I hope you know it was never to you
like a babe stillborn
like a beast with his horn
I have torn everyone who reached out for me
but I swear by this song
and by all that I have done wrong
I will make it all up to thee
I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden crutch
he said to me "you must not ask for so much"
and the pretty woman leaning in her darkened door
she cried to me "hey, why not ask for more?"
like a bird on the wire
like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Bird On The Wire
Leonard Cohen's "Bird On The Wire" stands as a haunting centerpiece within his expansive discography, characterized by his signature blend of folk, jazz, and spiritual introspection. Recorded for the comprehensive "Complete Studio Albums Collection," the track exemplifies Cohen's ability to weave poetic lyricism with a brooding, atmospheric sound. The composition reflects his lifelong fascination with themes of mortality, faith, and the human condition, delivered through his distinctive baritone and a minimalist arrangement that allows the narrative to breathe. As part of his broader body of work, the song captures the essence of his late-career output, where his musical style matured into a profound meditation on the soul's journey. Its enduring appeal lies in its evocative mood and Cohen's unique capacity to transform simple melodies into complex emotional landscapes.