American Old Time Song Lyrics: 11 The Captive Birds Complaint
Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 11
The Captive Bird's Complaint.
I wonder what my wings were made for,
Fluttering, active, restive things;
If this cage is all of birdland.
Tell one why a bird has wings
Shaking, hoping, waiting, restive,
How I wish for once to fly;
How my aching pinions tremble,
Give me life or let me die.
Yonder in a deep green cedar,
Fair as light, and light as air,
Shouts aloud a joyous robin,
If you love me, " send me there.
Better anything with freedom,
Than to know that one has wings,
And must ever keep them fettered-
Slavery hath a thousand stings.
Oh, this cage it does not fit me,
I'm not made for it, I know;
Mine is yonder in the heavens.
If you love me, let me go.