You're such a heavy bird You'd never get far on your own You'll never have a use for your feathers While you're hopping down the road You were born to walk the earth With your back against the cold And no, you never had a purpose 'Til I wore you on my back like a coat You're in your evening gloves You're off the farm, taking big city drugs No matter how far you get, let it sink in That I gave you roots, and baby, I gave you wings Yeah, I gave you roots and I gave you wings And I showed you how to swing I showed you how to strut That's my mojo you're using That's my wine getting you drunk Was I that broke you in? I got you clean, clipped and cut You're a mule among horses, I took you When God stood you up Now tell me who could do more Set myself on fire, keeping you warm And now I'm off the hook and he's on your chin But I gave you roots, yeah baby, I gave you wings Know I gave you roots and I gave you wings ♪ Now you've got your looks and your pretty things A new set of chances that I wouldn't give Now if you've forgotten, I'll tell you again That I gave you roots, baby, I gave you wings ♪ You're such a heavy bird You'd never get far on your own Yeah, I gave you roots, baby, I gave you wings Yeah, I gave you roots, baby, I gave you wings Oh, now you're such a heavy bird You'd never get far on your own I gave you roots, gave you roots, I gave you wings Gave you roots, gave you wings You're such a heavy bird