Bird On The Wire

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Bird on the Wire by Leonard Cohen
(from the CD Songs from a Room)
[Verse 1]
A E A D
Like a bird on the wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir
A E A Asus4 A
I have tried in my way to be free
A E A D
Like a worm on a hook, like a knight from some old-fashioned book
A E A Asus4 A
I have saved all my ribbons for thee
D A
If I, if I have been unkind
Bm A
I hope that you can just let it go by
D A
If I, if I have been untrue,
Bm E Esus4 E
I hope you know it was never to you.
[Verse 2]
A E A D
Like a baby stillborn, like a beast with his horn
A E A Asus4 A
I have torn everyone who reached out for me.
A E A D
But I swear by this song and by all that I have done wrong
A E A Asus4 A
I will make it all up to thee.
D A
I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden crutch
Bm A
He said to me, "You must not ask for so much."
D A
And a pretty woman leaning in her darkened door,
Bm E Esus4 E
She cried to me, "Hey, why not ask for more?"
[Outro]
A E A D
Like a bird on the wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir
A E D A
I have tried in my way to be free

Bird On The Wire chords and lyrics

Free chords for Bird On The Wire by Leonard Cohen. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

Bird on the Wire by Leonard Cohen
(from the CD Songs from a Room)
[Verse 1]
[Verse 2] 
[Outro]

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.

Frequently asked questions about Bird On The Wire

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

Open the free chords for "Bird On The Wire" by Leonard Cohen on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Bird On The Wire" by Leonard Cohen free?

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

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Bird On The Wire" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Bird On The Wire"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Bird On The Wire" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

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

Many players learn "Bird On The Wire" by Leonard Cohen with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Leonard Cohen below.

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.