Bird on the Wire
Judy Collins
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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 from some old fashioned book I have saved all my ribbons for thee. If I, if I have been unkind, I hope that you can just let it go by. If I, if I have been untrue I hope you know it was never to 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 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 a pretty woman leaning in her darkened door, She cried to me, "Hey, why not ask for more?" Oh like a bird on the wire, Like a drunk in a midnight choir I have tried in my way to be free.
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Written by: Leonard Cohen
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Origin"Bird on the Wire" is originally a song written by Leonard Cohen, a renowned Canadian singer-songwriter. Judy Collins' cover version is one of the many interpretations of Cohen's composition.
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Release DateJudy Collins' version of "Bird on the Wire" was released in 1976 as a track from her album titled "Bread & Roses".
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Leonard Cohen and Judy Collins RelationshipLeonard Cohen and Judy Collins share a lot of history together. Judy was a significant figure in introducing Leonard Cohen to a wider audience. She was the first artist to cover his song "Suzanne", which helped him gain popularity as a songwriter.
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Awards and RecognitionJudy Collins' "Bread & Roses" album, which included the "Bird on the Wire" track, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1977 for Best Folk Performance.
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Song Meaning"Bird on the Wire", according to Leonard Cohen, was a song of atonement or confession. Judy Collins' delivery of the song drew praise for its emotive conveyance of this theme.
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Notable PerformancesJudy Collins performed "Bird on the Wire" along with several other Leonard Cohen songs in her concerts, making them popular with her fans.
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Historical ContextAt the time of the release of Judy Collins' version in the mid-70s, the cover resonated particularly with the audience due to the ongoing socio-political climate of the time, including factors like the Vietnam War and the Women's Liberation movement.
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ReceptionThe song was generally well-received by critics, who noted Collins' distinct and soulful approach to the melancholic lyrics of the song.
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InfluenceCollins' interpretation of "Bird on the Wire" has influenced many other artists to cover the song, thus solidifying its status as a classic in folk music.
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ProductionThe song was produced by Mark Abramson, who had a long-standing collaborative relationship with Judy Collins throughout her music career.
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Citation
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"Bird on the Wire Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/29570324/Judy+Collins/Bird+on+the+Wire>.
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