i wish i knew how
it would feel to be free
i wish i could break
all the chains holdin' me
i wish i could say
all the things that i should say
say 'em loud say 'em clear
for the whole 'round world to hear

i wish i could share
all the love that's in my heart
remove all the bows
that keep us apart
i wish you could know
what it means to be me
then you'd see and agree
that every man should be free

i wish i could give
all i'm longin' to give
i wish i could live like i'm longing to live
i wish i could do all the things that i can do
and though i'm way over due
i'd be startin' a new

well i wish i could be
like a bird in the sky
how sweet it would be
if i found i could fly
oh i'd soar to the sun
and look down at the sea

then i'd sing 'cause i'd know yeah
and i'd sing 'cause i'd know yeah
and i'd sing 'cause i'd know

i'd know how it feels
i'd know how it feels to be free
yeah, yeah i'd know how it feels
yes, i'd know
i'd know how it feels, how it feels
to be free, oh lord