Bird On The Wire

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Bird on the Wire by Leonard Cohen
(from the CD Songs from a Room)
[Verse 1]
Like a bAird on the wEire, like a drAunk in a midnight chDoir
I have trAied in my wEay to be freAeAsus4  A  
Like a wAorm on a hEook, like a knAight from some old-fashioned bDook
I have sAaved all my rEibbons for thAeeAsus4  A  
DIf I, if I have been unkAind
BmI hope that you can just let it go bAy
DIf I, if I have been untrAue,
BmI hope you know it was never to yEou.Esus4  E  
[Verse 2]
Like a bAaby stillboErn, like a beAast with his hoDrn
I have toArn everyoEne who reached out for Ame.Asus4  A  
But I swAear by this sEong and by aAll that I have done wroDng
AI will make it Eall up to tAhee.Asus4  A  
DI saw a beggar leaning on his wooden cArutch
BmHe said to me, "You must not ask for Aso much."
DAnd a pretty woman leaning in her darkened dAoor,
BmShe cried to me, "Hey, why not ask for EmorEsus4e?"E  
[Outro]
Like a bAird on the wEire, like a drAunk in a midnight chDoir
I have trAied in my wEay to be frDeeA  
All chords in this song (6)

The story behind the song

"Bird On The Wire" is a song by Leonard Cohen, an artist whose work often delves into themes of faith, mortality, isolation, and love. Cohen began his music career in 1966 after establishing himself as a poet and novelist. This song, like much of his output, fits within the folk music tradition he cultivated across his early albums. It embodies the introspective and often melancholic spirit that defines his unique artistic voice.

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About Bird On The Wire Chords by Leonard Cohen

Learn how to play Bird On The Wire by Leonard Cohen with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Bird On The Wire chords”, “Bird On The Wire guitar chords”, or “Leonard Cohen Bird On The Wire chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Bird On The Wire chords and for experienced players who want accurate Bird On The Wire lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include A, E, D, Asus4, Bm, Esus4.

FAQ — Bird On The Wire by Leonard Cohen

How do I play "Bird On The Wire" by Leonard Cohen on guitar?

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Can I transpose "Bird On The Wire" to a different key?

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Is "Bird On The Wire" easy to play on guitar?

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What key is "Bird On The Wire" in?

The chords for "Bird On The Wire" show the original chord names (including A, E, D, Asus4, Bm, Esus4). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.