I know why the caged bird sings;
it's for the hope of joy tomorrow -
it's for the hope to spread its wings
to fly away, from its sad sorrow.

It's for the dream of living free,
it's for the dream of soaring flight -
it's for the dream to only be,
for endless days that seem as night.

I know why the caged bird sings;
why his voice is strong with hope -
someone clipped his golden wings,
his songs reflect, his way to cope.

Outside his window, shines the sun
inside the house, there's not much light -
confined, he cannot fly or run,
he sings because he's lost the fight.

I know why the caged bird sings;
for being jailed - not of his making -
not knowing what tomorrow brings,
because his tiny heart is breaking.