Abbey Lincoln - Caged Bird lyrics

The birds who live in cages never spread their wings They sit with ruffled feathers upon their tiny swings and speculate the birdseed and while away the day tuck their heads in feathers of colorful arrays I know why the caged bird sings a sweet and soulful song I know why the caged bird sings when everything seems wrong I know why the caged bird sings and flaps his tethered wings birds were made to fly away and birds were made to sing The birds who live in cages feel the morning sun shining through the window where the captain lives by gun and stretches forth his body and warbles for the day moves his head from side to side and listens for the way I know why the caged bird sings a sweet and soulful song I know why the caged bird sings when everything seems wrong I know why the caged bird sings and flaps his tethered wings birds were made to fly away and birds were made to sing