I ' d rather be a sparrow than a snail . Yes I would , If I could , I surely would . I ' d rather be a hammer than a nail . Yes I would , If I only could , I surely would . CHORUSAway , I ' d rather sail awayLike a swan that ' s here and goneA man gets tied up to the groundHe gives the worldIts saddest sound , Its saddest sound . I ' d rather be a forest than a street . Yes I would . If I could , I surely woud . I ' d rather feel the earth beneath my feet , Yes I would . If I only could , I surely would .