Judy Collins - Bird on the Wire

It's 1968. Leonard Cohen writes it; Judy Collins records it.
A beautiful song which has as many interpretations as there are birds to be found on wires.

Cohen recorded the song in 1968 but released it in the album " Songs from a room" (1968). Judy Collins was the first to release the song in her album, "Who knows where the time goes" (1968)

There's nothing quite like good poetry, good music and good singing!

Here are the lyrics:

Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free

Like a worm on a hook
Like a knight in an old fashioned book
I have saved all my ribbons for thee

And if I, if I have been unkind
I hope that you will just let it go by
And if I, if I have been untrue
I hope you know that it was not you

Like a baby 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
That I will make it all, all up to thee

I saw a man, a beggar leaning on his crutch
He said to me, "Why do you ask for so much"
There was a woman who, in leaning on her door,
She said, "Why not, 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

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Bird on the wire
• judy collins
• leonard cohen
• songs of the 60s
• metaphors in music
• personal freedom songs

[Adamfulgence]

Thanks K! Sometimes, I think people who have a passion for God's little creatures are in a spiritual realm all their own. :-))

[zjmn58]

Great video!! Another fine job, well done!! It's nice to know that Judy and Leonard are still performing in their "golden" years!! : )

[Adamfulgence]

@zjmn58 Indeed! I hope I make it as long as they have (with their energy level!).  Thanks for your kind comment.

[ArtsKris]

Thank you Eileen for this big song put in images with a lot of intelligence. Thank you for the words and the information. It is formidable to know persons as you. I wish you a very good week. With all my friendship.

[Adamfulgence]

@ArtsKris As always, Christian, you give the kindest compliments. Thank you for watching; i'm so glad you liked it. :-))

[appapo3]

Your video is excellent as always.. Judy Collins singing Leonard Cohen's, in my opinion best song of his many great ones, is sure fire .I also found the way you handled the lyric of" free as a stillborn" very touching.

[Adamfulgence]

@appapo3 Thanks Brian. Appreciate your noting the "stillborn" line. That was quite a dilemma for me but the muse came through. :-))

[Bellale1000]

Everything about this recording is perfect, voice, band, song.

[tikizia1981]

Hi Eileen, so good to have u back in my PC , it broke, but i just had it back, its been a while, i missed u and this wonderful vids as well, Keep in touch, your work make me so good is unbelieveble, God bless

[IMAGIO1952]

YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN! A GREAT COMPILATION CREATION. ONE OF THE BEST WRITERS, AND ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE SINGING ARTISTS! BRAVO!

[mariutza66]

Un trabajo hermoso en su complemento.

María José.

[boxxxah]

I love Birds, I collect them, in all forms, ceramic, paintings - love love birds. Judy has eyes of oceans. They are so blue and fluid. Her voice is beautiful. E you never leave me guessing. You're the Best. This song is amazing, thanks to you, I was able to hear it. K

[Lichtfee004]

Very good video ... Ann Sander