Life in this cage, it seems I am condemned To see right through the bars of freedom out beyond That is the punishment, to see what you can't have And learn obedience, to kneel as you still stand Friedrich, dear My love, be calm You'll find your path in time before too long I fear his hand The shame carries on A tyrant for a guide Release is on my mind No songs of birds, no warm embrace Nothing more valuable than a friendly face Only my sister and hans von katte There's no escape, make the best of what you have You're wasting time, you worthless boy My plans for you won't be destroyed I fear his plans Confined to fortress walls The shame he puts on me Release is on my mind Friedrich, boy All will be well A chance of release from all this hell Fight, flight, or die I'll vanish into the night No choice but to risk my life My tyrant, my father and this strife