Caged Bird - Abbey Lincoln

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