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Leonard Cohen — Bird on the Wire
Album: Field Commander Cohen
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 395









Released: 2002
Length: 5:03
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Like a worm on a hook
Like a knight from some old-fashioned book
I have saved all my ribbons for thee
If I, if I have been unkind
I hope that you can just let it go by
If I, if I have been untrue
I hope you know it was never to you
For like a baby, stillborn
Like a beast with his horn
I have torn everyone who reached out for me
But I swear by this song
And by all that I have done wrong
I will make it all up to thee
I saw a beggar leaning on his wooden crutch
He said to me, "you must not ask for so much"
And a pretty woman leaning in her darkened door
She cried to me, "hey, why not ask for more?"
Oh, like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Comments (99)add comment
RIP, Leonard. As the throng of a thousand protesters marched by outside the window at The Riverside last night during a fabulous poetic musical performance by Ellen Sevigny and Leonard Armijo, we got the news of LC's passing, and we felt the world grow colder.
Posted 8 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Ok, I respect Leonard as a person, he was one of the best people on earth probably, and as a fellow Canadian, but no, I cannot like this
Posted 8 years ago by jocelynsart    [ Reply ]
Loved his voice when he was younger and when he was older.  We'll sure miss your poetic songs Leonard.  You will live on forever!  Goodbye my balladeer!! 
Posted 8 years ago by linzbrock    [ Reply ]
TerryS wrote:
Since he is older than either (both, if you prefer), technically not possible.
Hmmm....I don't think age is the only reason that is technically not possible. I prefer to use my imagination and not to impose boring limits.
Posted 16 years ago by QueenLucia    [ Reply ]
I love the Fairport Convention version with Ian Mathews & Sandy Denny in beautiful harmony
Posted 17 years ago by inindian    [ Reply ]
Fantastic version of a beautiful song.Anyone know who plays the lovely guitar solo?
Posted 17 years ago by madaxeman    [ Reply ]
ThePoose wrote:
And some time before Phil Spector (allegedly) offed that B movie actress, he put a gun to Lenny's head during their time recording together and said, ''I love you, Leonard.'' LC replied, ''I sure hope you do, Phil.''
And now (late March 2007) the jurors are being rounded up for Phil's murder trail. What a long, strange trip the rock and roll lifestyle is.
Posted 17 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
AvoidingWork wrote:
I think this would be perfect for Willie Nelson. Anybody know if he has done it?
I know that Cash did it on one of his American Recording CD's, that was actually the first place that I heard this song. Steve
Posted 17 years ago by bubb1971    [ Reply ]
Is this a case of LC spontaneously re-writing his lyrics, which he is known to do? I believe these words are different from the 1969 original on Songs From a Room.
Posted 17 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
yermum wrote:
If any of you have yet to see the recent film I'm Your Man I recommend it highly. It includes a performance of "If It Be Your Will" by Antony of Antony and the Johnsons that haunted me for days. Anyway - love this version of the song. First time I've heard it -- all of those singing lessons must have paid off. ;-)
I uploaded Antony's "If it Be Your Will" to the LRC so go forth and vote! Opinion is divided this far. TJ
Posted 17 years ago by TJOpootertoot    [ Reply ]
mach-hog wrote:
8) Canada's greatest poet and songwriter. Too bad he'll have to die before he's hailed for the genius he is. Then there will be much attention paid to this noble mind...
If any of you have yet to see the recent film I'm Your Man I recommend it highly. It includes a performance of "If It Be Your Will" by Antony of Antony and the Johnsons that haunted me for days. Anyway - love this version of the song. First time I've heard it -- all of those singing lessons must have paid off. ;-)
Posted 17 years ago by yermum    [ Reply ]
celadonstone wrote:
Len Cohen does look a little like Hoffman on this cover, even if he is older. They have a similar ethnic heritage. The older we all get, the more similar we start to look, right?
Maybe we all need glasses.
Posted 17 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
Len Cohen does look a little like Hoffman on this cover, even if he is older. They have a similar ethnic heritage. The older we all get, the more similar we start to look, right?
Posted 17 years ago by celadonstone    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
QueenLucia wrote:
HEE HEE! He does look a bit like Dustim Hoffman & Al Pacino's love child in this photo. LEONARD COHEN RULES!!
Since he is older than either (both, if you prefer), technically not possible.
Posted 17 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
ohhh i wannna beee bobbbb-dylannnnnnnnnnnn. ohhh i wannna beee bobbbb-dylannnnnnnnnnnn. butttt i just canttttttt. the lyrics are enjoyable but the singing makes me think of Dylan while at the same time falling way short.
Posted 17 years ago by donpdonp    [ Reply ]
culchie wrote:
Does anyone else think he looks like Al Pacino in the photo?
HEE HEE! He does look a bit like Dustim Hoffman & Al Pacino's love child in this photo. LEONARD COHEN RULES!!
Posted 17 years ago by QueenLucia    [ Reply ]
Cohen and live,shivers!
Posted 17 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
BEAUTIFUL!
Posted 17 years ago by go_ski_mully    [ Reply ]
It's nice enough... I really like the Judy Collins version... Does anyone else think he looks like Al Pacino in the photo?
Posted 17 years ago by culchie    [ Reply ]
Leonard Cohen's singing normally gets the same reaction from me as fingernails running down a blackboard. This version of this song is actually not that bad. Do any of my fellow Canadians remember when Cohen was nominated for a "Best Male Vocalist" Juno award a few years back? (For you non-Canadians, the Junos are our national music awards -- like the Grammys.) Even Cohen himself thought it was absurd!
Posted 17 years ago by Viv515    [ Reply ]
If you love Leonard check out Bay area group " Conspiricy of Beards". Very hip all male vocal choir that do LC exclusively.Shows he's a great song writer oft better served by cover artists who still maintain the will to live!
Posted 17 years ago by patreezia    [ Reply ]
This song has a real Neil Diamond feel in my opinion. I wish they played a bit of Neil Diamond on RP.
Posted 17 years ago by Daniel_Pittenger    [ Reply ]
a friend just loaned me his copy of a (relatively) new book entitled: DYLAN & COHEN - Poets of Rock and Roll by: David Boucher continuum press, 2004 www.continuumbooks.com It's the best of anything of this type I've read on either artist. Really worthwhile. Cohen is amazing... this is one of his many best songs.
Posted 17 years ago by mach-hog    [ Reply ]
artmarcia wrote:
Who is the singer most associated with this song?
Tim Hardin?
Posted 18 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
redeyespy wrote:
I'd be willing to send in a donation somewhere to prevent that from happening.
I'll send you my address. I'll take care of it* *Restrictions apply
Posted 18 years ago by tiger_town_trumpet    [ Reply ]
AvoidingWork wrote:
I think this would be perfect for Willie Nelson. Anybody know if he has done it?
The last person who replied to you seemed to think you were making a knowing joke. Were you? I mean, because Willie has done this song and it was very good. Perhaps I missed something here.
Posted 18 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
TonyBear wrote:
Music to slit your wrists to.
If you mean music to die for, you're right.
Posted 18 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
Music to slit your wrists to.
Posted 18 years ago by TonyBear    [ Reply ]
AvoidingWork wrote:
I think this would be perfect for Willie Nelson. Anybody know if he has done it?
What do you think? ;)
Posted 18 years ago by jablan    [ Reply ]
I also like k.d. lang's version. meloman wrote:
Judy Collins. She did quite a few LC songs.
Posted 18 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
This works for me
Posted 18 years ago by blinkblink    [ Reply ]
i enjoy all things leonard.
Posted 18 years ago by ahoylola    [ Reply ]
Fredrikson wrote:
argh what's up with the odd version? the other REAL version is a personal favourite of mine and this one just hurts listening to.
I agree.
Posted 18 years ago by Fredrikson    [ Reply ]
argh what's up with the odd version? the other REAL version is a personal favourite of mine and this one just hurts listening to.
Posted 18 years ago by Fredrikson    [ Reply ]
physicsgenius wrote:
Looks like Dustin Hoffman.
At last...I can agree with physicsgenius!!!!
Posted 18 years ago by algrif    [ Reply ]
Looks like Dustin Hoffman.
Posted 18 years ago by physicsgenius    [ Reply ]
I think this would be perfect for Willie Nelson. Anybody know if he has done it?
Posted 18 years ago by AvoidingWork    [ Reply ]
And some time before Phil Spector (allegedly) offed that B movie actress, he put a gun to Lenny's head during their time recording together and said, ''I love you, Leonard.'' LC replied, ''I sure hope you do, Phil.''
Posted 18 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
Loved it 30 years ago, studio version. Still do. This incarnation? Not so much.
Posted 18 years ago by BlueHeronDruid    [ Reply ]
... One of my fav. Cohen songs from way back, not that I go way back but It's been around for as long as I can remember and it's still so poignant and fresh ... ...
Posted 18 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
artmarcia wrote:
Who is the singer most associated with this song?
Judy Collins. She did quite a few LC songs.
Posted 18 years ago by meloman    [ Reply ]
halfgazo wrote:
Maybe Cracker will do a cover of this one.
I'd be willing to send in a donation somewhere to prevent that from happening.
Posted 18 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
Never been a Leonard Cohen to begin with, but this is painful! Make it stop!!
Posted 18 years ago by Veritas    [ Reply ]
Should have been a Johnny Cash song. Maybe Cracker will do a cover of this one.
Posted 18 years ago by halfgazo    [ Reply ]
I could listen to Leonard Cohen all day!
Posted 18 years ago by DannyNC    [ Reply ]
mach-hog wrote:
8) Canada's greatest poet and songwriter. Too bad he'll have to die before he's hailed for the genius he is. Then there will be much attention paid to this noble mind...
You mean he's NOT from here? Yippee!!
Posted 18 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
He wrote the song. This is its original incarnation. Puke away. Mugro wrote:
Just when I think that Leonard Cohen was so bad that I could just puke, now I hear him attempting to sing a country song!!! Country is bad enough with Leonard Cohen butchering it!!!!
Posted 18 years ago by Patrick    [ Reply ]
This sucks balls.
Posted 18 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]
Just when I think that Leonard Cohen was so bad that I could just puke, now I hear him attempting to sing a country song!!! Country is bad enough with Leonard Cohen butchering it!!!!
Posted 18 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
inthefog wrote:
I don't know about the most associated, but I personnally really like Johnny Cash's version.
Agreed. That's how I know the song.
Posted 18 years ago by jah_blessed    [ Reply ]
Likeable tune, but why'd Leonard put Dustin Hoffman on the cover?
Posted 19 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
I love this song and the killer lyrics. My favorite version, though, is Willie Nelson's on the LC tribute album "Tower of Song." Perfection.
Posted 19 years ago by betsy    [ Reply ]
a poet does not a singer make.
Posted 19 years ago by Nuance    [ Reply ]
ZZZZZ-ZZZZZ-ZZZZZ- ZZZZZ-ZZZZZ-ZZZZZ
Posted 19 years ago by cptbuz    [ Reply ]
rulebritannia wrote:
I'm an avid Leonard Cohen fan, but this was never one of my favorite LC songs. And this version is even less engaging than the original.
I hear you. I have loved LC for many years, but for whatever reason, this is the one song I don't care for. And yet it's one of his most famous. Odd, that.
Posted 19 years ago by alicewonderland    [ Reply ]
Sorry.... Leonard ALWAYS brings down the RP show
Posted 19 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
The song is great, and I'm a long time Leonard Cohen fanatic (when I lived in Paris in 1969 I only owned two albums, and one of them was his)... but I have to agree with those who don't think this is the greatest interpretation. I much prefer the studio version...
Posted 19 years ago by drmaybe    [ Reply ]
The absolute best version of this song is by Judy Collins, on her Who Knows Where the Time Goes album, with Stephen Stills in the band. Take my word for it. I wouldn't steer you wrong.
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
I've only heard Larry Gross' take on "Mountain Stage", but that's what turned me on to the song... mojoman wrote:
Aaron Neville did a nice take on it, too.
Posted 19 years ago by huge_forehead    [ Reply ]
rulebritannia wrote:
I'm an avid Leonard Cohen fan, but this was never one of my favorite LC songs. And this version is even less engaging than the original.
my sentiments exactly. Cohen at his weakest. Blech.
Posted 19 years ago by Angloray    [ Reply ]
someone needs to give "Field Commander Cohen" the firing squad..... ........oh please make it stop......
Posted 19 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
inthefog wrote:
I don't know about the most associated, but I personnally really like Johnny Cash's version.
Aaron Neville did a nice take on it, too.
Posted 19 years ago by mojoman    [ Reply ]
artmarcia wrote:
Who is the singer most associated with this song?
I don't know about the most associated, but I personnally really like Johnny Cash's version.
Posted 19 years ago by inthefog    [ Reply ]
8) Canada's greatest poet and songwriter. Too bad he'll have to die before he's hailed for the genius he is. Then there will be much attention paid to this noble mind...
Posted 19 years ago by mach-hog    [ Reply ]
Cohen fanatic here who thinks this was one (and maybe the only one) for the recording room "floor".
Posted 19 years ago by diane    [ Reply ]
shari wrote:
Hmm, considering he's a Jewish Buddist monk, why not? Actually, there is a great deal of ritual and religious references in his work. A lot of his imagery is sacred and very sensual at the same time -- not the usual fodder for the evangelical movements. One reason I love it so much. Great song and wonderful version. Shari
I often wondered whether people who are religious or have a religious background do appreciate artists like Cohen and Dylan more.
Posted 19 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
Mugro wrote:
I hate to disagree with most of you, but I don't understand people's adoration of this guy. This song sounds like something you would hear on some Christian station. Tacky crap!
Hmm, considering he's a Jewish Buddist monk, why not? Actually, there is a great deal of ritual and religious references in his work. A lot of his imagery is sacred and very sensual at the same time -- not the usual fodder for the evangelical movements. One reason I love it so much. Great song and wonderful version. Shari
Posted 20 years ago by shari    [ Reply ]
So he seems to be voraciously popular among fans, particularly for his songwriting, which I can appreciate, but given his singing talent, I long for the day when singer and songwriter were rarely if ever the same person.
Posted 20 years ago by ksb    [ Reply ]
I try to be open-minded about the music that I hear on this station, but I'm sorry, this song is uninspired and, frankly, sucks.
Posted 20 years ago by Ityllux    [ Reply ]
federico wrote:
a surpsingly ineffective version of a very good song ....
Well, he's known more for the songs he's written....like this one.
Posted 20 years ago by Patrick    [ Reply ]
a surpsingly ineffective version of a very good song ....
Posted 20 years ago by federico    [ Reply ]
ANNE_MARIE wrote:
My rating went from 4 to 7...it's growing on me. Thanks for the exposure R&B!
I'll put a 4 back up there for ya. Are all his songs good like this?
Posted 20 years ago by lotus_65    [ Reply ]
The artist is most excellent, the song is good, but the interpretation is not great...
Posted 20 years ago by marian    [ Reply ]
I hate to disagree with most of you, but I don't understand people's adoration of this guy. This song sounds like something you would hear on some Christian station. Tacky crap!
Posted 20 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
I just love it when a song makes me stop and listen... isn’t that what they are suppose to do? Mission accomplished.
Posted 20 years ago by V12Silly    [ Reply ]
artmarcia wrote:
Who is the singer most associated with this song?
The list of people who've covered Leonard's song is legion. He's one of the greatest songwriters of the twentieth century.
Posted 20 years ago by samiyam    [ Reply ]
Who is the singer most associated with this song?
Posted 20 years ago by artmarcia    [ Reply ]
I'm an avid Leonard Cohen fan, but this was never one of my favorite LC songs. And this version is even less engaging than the original.
Posted 20 years ago by rulebritannia    [ Reply ]
would like this as an instrumental....
Posted 20 years ago by pdhski    [ Reply ]
Not crazy about this version. But one of his best song. I wish someone could write me such a beautiful epitaph when I'll need it...Not too soon I hope. I have tried in my way to be free.
Posted 20 years ago by Cyclope    [ Reply ]
Never thought I'd hear this song outside my home stereo!
Posted 21 years ago by Ziller    [ Reply ]
wow, really nice, thanks mr. dj! I kinda enjoyed the frills, and I was glad to hear his voice sans the cheesy canned organ. Went and saw the album comments and am on to purchase now! More Leonard Cohen'd be just fine! For those of you who somehow hated this - try giving the lyrics a listen also. But seriously, how can you hate his voice?
Posted 21 years ago by qbee    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by MsJudi: OMG this is awful... worse than awful.
Why do you say that? I quite like it on my first listen. I'm always interested to hear why people say that something is truely bad when it seems like a decent song.
Posted 21 years ago by stubbsz    [ Reply ]
ANY Leonard Cohen, from any era, under any circumstances, is appreciated! ;)
Posted 21 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
OMG this is awful... worse than awful.
Posted 21 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
I think Leonard must have borrowed the doo-wop feel-good organ used in this song from Simon & Garfunkel\'s \"Concert in Central Park\" record....
Posted 21 years ago by Carissa    [ Reply ]
The only other time I have heard this song is when I heard Jennifer Warnes sing it on corporate radio. Now THAT SUCKED! And this really bites the big one as well.
Posted 22 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by kevinc: Well I may be mixing Leonard up with someone else, but I thought he had a rather rough sounding voice on other tracks played on RP. Kevin
this is the YOUNG Leonard (from the 60s)
Posted 22 years ago by solelover    [ Reply ]
originally posted by lbrc: if this is singing, what is grumbling? what, no slide guitar?
well i may be mixing leonard up with someone else, but i thought he had a rather rough sounding voice on other tracks played on rp. kevin
Posted 22 years ago by kevinc    [ Reply ]
Wait a second. Leonard Cohen can sing? I could\'ve sworn he just kinda grumbled. I like this.
Posted 22 years ago by kevinc    [ Reply ]
Bird on a Wire... I was just thinking about this song, and the Willie Nelson version, too... excellent mood-match for me.
Posted 22 years ago by gonzogirl    [ Reply ]
More LC would be fine.
Posted 22 years ago by jdemmers    [ Reply ]