I can't catch a bird that don't want catchin'
I can't make it sing its song for me
Freedom all alone, well, that's a cage all its own
Freedom on your own ain't really free
No, little bird, that ain't what it means

And I won't take the wings you're used to havin'
I just wanna brush them with my hands
Freedom all alone, well, that's a wing made out of stone
Freedom on your own ain't really free
No, little bird, that ain't what it means

Even freedom needs some fences
Even blue skies need the ground
Though you think it's gonna hurt
Even you, little bird, need the feelin'
Of comin' down, oh

Mm-mm-mm-mm
Mm-mm-mm-mm

And I don't want the colors that you're flashin'
I know that's what everybody sees
Freedom all alone, well, that's a way to never show
Anybody what's really underneath
No, little bird, that ain't what it means

'Cause even freedom needs some fences
Even blue skies need the ground
Though you think it's gonna hurt
Even you, little bird, need the feelin'
Of comin' down

Freedom all alone, well, that's a cage all its own
Freedom on your own ain't really free
No, little bird, won't you come on down to me