Bird On The Wire

by Leonard Cohen

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Lyrics

Like a (D)bird

on a (A)wire,

like a (D)drunk in a some mid night (G)choir,

I have (D)tried

in my (A)way

to be (D)free.

Like a (D)worm

on a (A)hook,

like a (D)knight in a some old ioned (G)book,

I have (D)saved

all my (A)rib

bons for (D)thee.

Like a

If I, if I have been un (D)kind,

I hope that you can just let it go (D)by.

If I,

if I have been un (D)true,

I hope you know it was nev er to (A)you.

More like a (D)ba by still (A)born,

like a (D)beast

with his (G)horn,

I have (D)torn

ev ’ry (A)one who reached out for (D)me.

But I (D)swear

by this (A)song,

and by (D)all that I have done (G)wrong,

I will make it (A)all

up to (D)thee.

I saw a beg gar lean ing on his wood en (D)crutch.

He said to me, “You must not ask for (D)so much.”

And a pret ty wom an lean ing in her dark ened (D)door,

she cried to me, “Hey, why not ask for (A)more?”

More like a (D)bird

on the (A)wi re, like a (D)drunk in a mid night (G)choir,

I have (D)tried

in my (A)way

to be (G)free.

Bird On The Wire by Leonard Cohen — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Bird On The Wire” by Leonard Cohen in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of D at 95 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Bird On The Wire" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Bird On The Wire"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "Bird On The Wire" use?
Just 4 chords: A, D, Em, G. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.
What other Leonard Cohen songs work for kids?
Try "A THOUSAND KISSES DEEP", "HALLELUJAH", "HALLELUJAH". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.