I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free - Irma Thomas

I wish I knew how it would feel to be free

I wish I could break all the chains holding 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 bars 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 longing 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

Though I'm way overdue, I'd be starting anew

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

And then I'd sing 'cause I'd know, yeah

Then I'd sing 'cause I'd know, yeah

Then I'd sing 'cause I'd know

I'd know how it feels

I'd know how it feels to be free, yeah, yeah

Oh, I'd know how it feels

Yes, I'd know, I'd know how it feels

How it feels to be free, Lord, Lord, Lord, yeah