Can't Chain Up Me Mind (Single)

by Grand Union Orchestra

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Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Made By Human Hands, Love That Day (Single), Can't Chain Up Me Mind (Single), 12 For 12, If Paradise, Now Comes The Dragon's Hour, Around The World In 80 Minutes, The Rhythm Of Tides, and 2 more. , and , .

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about

Underpinned by a samba-reggae rhythm track and powered by composer Tony Haynes's characteristic and catchy brass riffs, “Can’t Chain Up Me Mind” features defiant lyrics about slavery, freedom and resistance by acclaimed Jamaican poet Valerie Bloom.

The song was originally written for our 1989 album, “Freedom Calls”, and has been a staple of our live shows ever since. The powerful vocals on this version are by English/Jamaican/Ivorian singer Jonathan André, a former graduate of the Grand Union Youth Orchestra and now a key part of the professional band.

“Can’t Chain Up Me Mind” also features British jazz legend Tony Kofi on baritone saxophone.

lyrics

Massa put de heavy ole chain round me ankle dem
Massa put de jackass rope around me hand
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 you can’t chain up me mind
My mind is for me
And this mind it is free
No you 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 weh fe live
Massa tell me weh 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 you can’t chain up me mind
My mind is for me
And this mind it is free
No you 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
Massa him know dat de law is de 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 you can’t chain up me mind
My mind is for me
And this mind it is free
No you can’t chain up me mind

credits

released May 10, 2022
Jonathan André (voice)
Tony Kofi (baritone saxophone)

Music by Tony Haynes
Lyrics by Valerie Bloom

Mastered by Henry Bainbridge (DubStudio/HLM)
Artwork by Derek Edwards (Patwa)

Cat No RGR 401
Barcode 5059801061296

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about

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