The line “The caged bird sings for freedom” from Maya Angelou’s poem “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” suggests that even though the bird is confined, it still expresses itself through song as a symbol of longing for freedom and as a form of resistance against its captivity.

On the other hand, the free bird in the poem might not sing for freedom because it already possesses it. The free bird is unrestricted, able to fly and explore without limitations. Therefore, it may not feel the same urgency or desire to sing for freedom because it already enjoys the privilege of liberty. Instead, the free bird might sing for other reasons—joy, expression, or simply because it can.

In essence, the contrast between the caged bird and the free bird highlights the themes of oppression and liberation. The caged bird’s song symbolizes the resilience and spirit of those who endure adversity, while the free bird represents the privilege and ease of those who live without constraints.