The Captive Bird's Complaint - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
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.