The bird was chirping
In a house on a tree
But the vulture was angry
Because it was free
When the bird is singing,
The vulture ain’t safe

The bird was flying
And dancing, o’boy
And the flock was behind it
In tandem and joy
When the bird is free,
The vulture ain’t safe

The vulture was viciously
Sharpening its beak
Took over the tree-house
With tongue in cheek
The vulture is proud,
And the bird ain’t safe

The bird came back
But its home was gone
With solemn melody
It sang in the sun
The vulture attacked,
And the bird ain’t safe

The bird has been captured,
It no longer sings
Its beauty is withering
Its feathers and wings
The vulture is roaring,
And the bird ain’t safe

The hunter and keeper
Are hailed and praised
Mobs are cheering
And headlines are raised
The bird’s been captured,
The vulture is safe

The cage is splendid
Made out of gold
The food is plenty,
The flock’s been told
But the bird ain’t eating
Its freedom on hold
The vulture is haughty
And the bird ain’t safe

The bird’s been wounded
But not yet dead
Life is freedom,
It’s always been said

The flock is now angry
Its leader in a cage
Singing together
In a sound full of rage
Freedom Freedom
Was their cry on every page

The cage’s been opened
And the bird is free
It’s chirping and dancing
In its house on a tree

And the vulture, the hunter, the keeper ain’t safe