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Can't Chain Up Me Mind

from Freedom Calls by Grand Union Orchestra

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lyrics

Massa put de heavy ole chain round me ankle dem
Massa put de jackass rope around me han
Massa tell me what fe say
Massa tell me what fe do
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 fe chain me mind

So massa do yuh best (do yuh best, yes)
Mek de Devil do de rest (me no care)
But yuh can’t chain up me mind
No yuh can’t chain up me mind
Oh no yuh can’t chain
No yuh can’t chain up me mind

For me mind is fe me
And me mind it is free
And yuh can’t chain up me mind

Massa tell me when fe get up and fe go to bed
Massa tell me what fe wear and what fe eat
Massa tell me whey fe live
Massa tell me whey fe walk
Massa tell me how much pickney me fe hab

But though him kill me husband, Ned
But though him sell me pickney, Ted
Massa can’t find a way fe chain me mind

Massa bruck me han an foot dem when me run away
Massa hang Ned when him burn down de canepiece
For massa know dat de law
Is a law for backra
Massa know him can do what him want wid we

But though me grin when him laugh
Bow and scrape when him pass
Massa know him can’t find a way fe chain me mind

credits

from Freedom Calls, released July 14, 1989
David Clarke (voice)
Rick Taylor (trombone)
Music by Tony Haynes
Lyrics by Valerie Bloom

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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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