Standard (EADGBE)

 Like a bird on a 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 have been unkind

  ( )*

I hope you will just let it go by

 And if I have been untrue

  ( )*

I hope you know it was not unto you

 Like a baby stillborn

 Like a beast with it's horns

 I have torn every one

  ( )*

And reached out for thee

 Let us swear by this song

 And by all I have done wrong

 That I will make it all

  ( )*

Up to thee

  ( )*

I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden cross

  ( )*

He said to me do not ask for someone?

 And a woman standing in her darkened door

  ( )*

She cried to me hey, why not ask for more?

 Like a bird on a wire

 Like a drunk in a midnight choir

 I have tried in my way

 To be free