Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)

by Leonard Cohen
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Lyrics

Like a (D)bird on a (A)wire,

like a (D)drunk knight in from a some old mid fash night ioned (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)drunk knight in from a some old mid fash night 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 for (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 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 (A7)way to be (G)free.

Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire) by Leonard Cohen

Easy piano arrangement in the key of D at 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy. Color-coded notes — no sheet-reading skill required.

About “Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)”

What key is "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" in?
"Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" by Leonard Cohen is in the key of D with a tempo of 120 BPM. Difficulty: easy.
Is "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this arrangement is rated easy, meaning it uses simple chord patterns and a manageable tempo. Most beginners can play through it in 1-3 practice sessions using our color-coded notes.
Can I play "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" without reading sheet music?
Yes. Our player offers a falling-notes mode (Synthesia-style) and a beginner mode with color-coded keys — both let you play along without reading traditional notation.
How long does it take to learn "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" on piano?
1–3 short practice sessions for the basics; 2–3 weeks to perform confidently with both hands.
What other songs by Leonard Cohen can I play here?
Try "A THOUSAND KISSES DEEP", "BIRD ON THE WIRE", "HALLELUJAH". All are available in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.

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