Bird On The Wire
View chords used in this chart
CAPO: 3
Intro: G D C G
verse 1
D G C
Like a bird, on the wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir
G D G
I have tried in my ways to be free
D G C
Like a fish, on a hook, like a knight in some old fashioned book
G D G
I have saved all my ribbons for thee
verse 2
C G
And if I, if I have been unkind
Am G
I just hope you, will let it go by
C G
And if I, if I have been untrue
Am D
I just hope you know, it was never to you
verse 3
G D G C
Like a baby, stillborn, like a beast with his horn
G D G
I have torn everyone who reached out to me
D G C
But I swear, by this song, and by all that I have done wrong
G D G
I'll make it all up to thee
verse 4
C G
I saw a young man, leaning on his wooden crutch
Am G
He called out to me, "Don't ask for so much"
C G
And a young woman, leaning in her darkened door
Am D
She cried out to me, "Hey, why not ask for more"
Outro
G D G C
Like a bird, on the wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir
G D C G
I have tried in my ways to be free
How to play Bird On The Wire
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is G. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.