Standard (EADGBE)

 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?"

 Like a bird on the wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir

 I have tried in my way to be free