Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)

by Leonard Cohen
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How to Play This Song

Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Lyrics

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

like a (D)drunk in a old 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)drunk in a old mid night (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, β€œYou 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€œHey, 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) β€” Easy Piano Notes for Beginners

6 people have learned this song

Learn "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" on piano with easy notes β€” perfect for absolute beginners. Large color-coded note names show exactly which keys to press. No music reading required. Key of D, 120 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

About β€œBird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)”

Can I play "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" without reading sheet music?
Yes β€” Easy Notes mode prints the letter name (C, D, E…) directly on each note in big color-coded labels, so you can match colors to your keyboard without any traditional notation. The whole arrangement of "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" is playable in minutes, even for first-time players.
What key is "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" by Leonard Cohen played in?
Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire) is arranged in the key of D on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)"?
The arrangement plays at 120 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" easy to play on piano?
Yes β€” this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
Can I download sheet music for "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)"?
Yes β€” registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)"?
"Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" was originally performed by Leonard Cohen. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by Leonard Cohen can I play here?
Try "A THOUSAND KISSES DEEP", "BIRD ON THE WIRE", "HALLELUJAH". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Can a complete beginner play "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)"?
Absolutely! The Beginner mode shows large color-coded notes with letter names (C, D, E...). Just match the colors to your keyboard β€” no music reading needed. "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" is perfect for first-time players.
Do I need to read music to play "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)"?
No! Our Beginner mode replaces traditional notation with color-coded letter names. Each note shows exactly which key to press. You can start playing "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" in minutes, even if you've never touched a piano before.