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Can't Chain Up Me Mind

from 12 For 12 by Grand Union Orchestra

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The defiant song of a Caribbean slave, over irresistible reggae and samba beats. Taken from ‘Freedom Calls’ (1989).

lyrics

Massa put de heavy ole chain round me ankle dem
Massa put de jackass rope around me han
Massa tell me what fe do
Massa tell me what fe say
Massa tell me how fe look like sey me blind
But no care how him try
Till the day dat him die
Massa can’t find a way to chain me mind

So massa do yuh best
Mek de Devil do de rest
No yuh can’t chain up me mind
My mind is for me
And dis mind it is free
No yuh can’t chain up me mind

Massa tell me when fe get up and fe go to bed
Massa tell me what to wear and what to eat
Massa tell me whey fe live
Massa tell me whey fe walk
Massa tell me how much pickney me fe hab
Though him kill me woman dead
Though him sell me pickney, Ned
Massa can’t find a way to chain me mind
No no no no, no no no no

So massa do yuh best
Mek de Devil do de rest
No yuh can’t chain up me mind
My mind is for me
And dis mind it is free
No yuh can’t chain up me mind

Massa bruck me han an foot dem when me run away
Massa hang me brother up just the other day
Mass him know dat de law
Is the law for backra
Massa know him can do what him like wid me
Though me grin when him laugh
Bow and scrape when him pass
Massa can’t find a way to chain me mind

So massa do yuh best
Mek de Devil do de rest
No yuh can’t chain up me mind
My mind is for me
And dis mind it is free
No yuh can’t chain up me mind

Can’t chain, no no yuh can’t chain
Can’t chain, chain up me mind
No yuh can’t chain, no no yuh can’t chain
Can’t chain, chain up me mind
No yuh can’t chain, no no yuh can’t chain
Can’t chain, chain up me mind

No yuh can’t chain, no no yuh can’t chain
Can’t chain, chain up me mind
No yuh can’t chain, no no yuh can’t chain
Can’t chain, chain up me mind
No yuh can’t chain, no no yuh can’t chain
Can’t chain, chain up me mind
No yuh can’t chain, no no yuh can’t chain
Can’t chain, chain up me mind
No yuh can’t chain, no no yuh can’t chain
Can’t chain, chain up me mind

credits

from 12 For 12, released December 4, 2011
Jonathan André (Ivory Coast/Jamaica) voice
Tony Kofi (Ghana) baritone saxophone
Music by Tony Haynes
Lyrics by Valerie Bloom

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all rights reserved

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Grand Union Orchestra London, UK

Grand Union Orchestra is a multicultural world jazz ensemble based in London. It has been performing, touring and recording large-scale shows for over 30 years and is well known for its educational work. Grand Union specialises in large-scale musical performances that reflect the backgrounds of its performers and often invites participation from amateur musicians and community groups. ... more

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