Singing the Living Tradition ‎#151

151. I Wish I Knew How

1 I wish I knew how it would feel to be free.
I wish I could break all these chains holding me.
I wish I could say all the things I should say,
Say 'em loud, say 'em clear
for the whole round world to hear.
Say 'em loud, say 'em clear
for the whole round world to hear.

2 I wish I could share all the love that's in my heart,
remove all the bars that still keep us apart.
I wish you could know what it means to be me,
then you'd see and agree
everyone should be free.
Then you'd see and agree
everyone should be free.

3 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 I can do,
though I'm way overdue
I'd be starting anew.
Though I'm way overdue
I'd be starting anew.

4 I wish I could be like a bird in the sky
How sweet it would be If I found I could fly
I'd soar to the sun and look down at the sea,
then I'd sing 'cause I'd know
how it feels to be free.
Then I'd sing 'cause I'd know
how it feels to be free.

Text Information

• First Line: I wish I knew how it would feel to be free
• Title: I Wish I Knew How
• Author: Billy Taylor
• Author: Dick Dallas
• Meter: 11.11.11.6.6.6.6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Words and Deeds of Prophetic Women and Men: Freedom; Compassion

Tune Information

• Name: MANDELA
• Composer: Billy Taylor
• Composer: Dick Dallas
• Arranger: Mary Allen Walden, 1946-
• Meter: 11.11.11.6.6.6.6.
• Key: F Major or modal
• Copyright: Arr. © 1992 Unitarian Universalist Association