Bird On A Wire

by Leonard Cohen
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Lyrics

Like a (D)bird

on the (A)wire,

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

I have (D)tried

in my (A)way

to be (D)free.

Like a (D)worm

a (A)hook,

like a knight from some old fash ioned (G)book,

(D)saved

all (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,

β€˜β€˜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,

β€˜β€˜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 A Wire β€” Accompaniment Sheet Music (Classic Notation)

3 people have learned this song

Classic piano notation for "Bird On A Wire" by Leonard Cohen as an accompaniment / backing track. Both hands engraved at publisher quality in D β€” sing or play melody on top while the score follows along at 66 BPM. Click any note to jump there.

Tip: Press play and sing the melody on top of the piano. If the original key (D) sits too high or low for your voice, use the transpose control to shift the accompaniment into a comfortable range β€” the backing moves with you. Need a pitch reference? Tap the mic icon to bring the vocal melody in.

Try other practice modes:

About β€œBird On A Wire”

Is the engraved accompaniment score for "Bird On A Wire" suitable for a pianist?
Yes β€” both hands are notated in classic piano notation (treble + bass clefs, key D, real chord symbols), engraved server-side from the publisher MusicXML. A staff pianist or accompanist can read this directly from the screen or printed PDF and play the backing while you sing the melody.
What key is the piano accompaniment for "Bird On A Wire" by Leonard Cohen in?
The backing track is in D at 66 BPM. If that doesn't sit in your vocal range, use the live transpose control to shift up or down semitones β€” the accompaniment moves with the new key automatically.
Can I sing over "Bird On A Wire" with this accompaniment?
Yes β€” that's exactly what it's built for. The vocal melody is muted by default so you can sing freely. Need a pitch reference? Tap the mic icon to bring the melody back in at a lower volume.
Is this a karaoke version of "Bird On A Wire"?
Effectively yes β€” it's the piano-only backing for "Bird On A Wire", with no vocals. You can also slow it down to practice tricky verses, then bring it back to full tempo.
Can I use "Bird On A Wire" as a backing track for my instrument?
Absolutely. Singers, guitarists, violinists, wind players, and instrumental practice in general all work β€” the piano holds the harmony so you can carry the melody on whatever instrument you play.
Can I download the accompaniment for "Bird On A Wire"?
Yes β€” registered users can download MIDI + MusicXML (open in any notation software). PDF sheet music is also available for the full arrangement.
Who wrote "Bird On A Wire"?
"Bird On A Wire" was originally performed by Leonard Cohen. This piano accompaniment is an arrangement of that song, designed for sing-along and play-along use.
What other backing tracks by Leonard Cohen are available?
Other accompaniments by Leonard Cohen: "Almost Like The Blues", "Anthem", "Closing Time". Same toggle-the-melody, change-the-key setup.
What is this accompaniment Sheet Music view?
Same engraver-grade rendering as the standard Sheet Music mode β€” both hands, classic piano notation, key of D, real chord symbols β€” but the audio is the karaoke / backing-track arrangement of "Bird On A Wire" with the lead melody removed. Perfect for singers, lead instruments, and ensemble practice.
Can I sing or play melody while the score follows along?
Yes. The backing track removes the melody so you can sing or play it on top while the chord changes and rhythm guide you. The engraved score scrolls in time with the audio so you never lose your place.
Is this the same notation a piano book would show?
Yes β€” treble + bass clefs, key signature, time signature, beams, dynamics, and chord symbols above the staff, all rendered from the original publisher MusicXML. Identical reading experience to a printed piano accompaniment book.

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