Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)

by Leonard Cohen
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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€” Falling Notes Piano Tutorial

6 people have learned this song

Watch "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" by Leonard Cohen in falling notes style β€” like Synthesia. Color-coded notes fall onto the keyboard in real time. Practice left hand, right hand, or both. 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 learn "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" with falling notes like Synthesia?
Yes β€” Falling Notes mode shows colored note shapes dropping onto a virtual keyboard, the same visual style as Synthesia or piano-tile games. Each note's column matches the piano key you press. Works for "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" with hands-separate practice in D at 120 BPM.
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 I practice left and right hand separately for "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)"?
Yes! Our Top Down mode lets you isolate the left hand (bass clef), right hand (treble clef), or play both together. This makes it easy to master "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" one hand at a time before combining them.
What is falling notes style for "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)"?
Falling notes (also known as Synthesia or piano waterfall) shows color-coded rectangles falling from the top of the screen onto a virtual keyboard. Each note's position matches the piano key you need to press. "Bird On The Wire (Bird On A Wire)" is in the key of D at 120 BPM.