"I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free" lyrics - MAVIS STAPLES & LEVON HELM

I wish I knew how it would feel to be free
I wish I could break all the chains holding me
And I wish I could say all of the things that I should say
Say it loud, say it clear for the whole round world to hear

I wish I could share all of the love that's in my heart
To move all of the bars that keeps holding us apart
And I wish you could know what it means to be me
Then you would see and agree 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
And I wish I could do all the things that I can do
Though I'm way overdue I'd be starting anew

I wish I could be like a bird in the sky
How sweet it would be if I found out I could fly
I'd soar through 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, hey hey
I'd sing 'cause I'd know, hey hey
I'd sing 'cause I'd know how it feels to be free
Yeah-hay