Over the course of two practices last month, Beating Time’s YOI Brinsford choir – newly named ‘Chained Harmony’ – spent time writing a song that would speak to their realities of life in prison. To start with, they each shared personal experiences that applied to them and used these to form the lyrics of the verses. They proceed to fit these to a melody and rhythm that they felt complemented the material (all assisted by Claire and Katy on the guitar). Although we can’t yet post a recorded version, the group wanted to share the contents of the song, which bring together their individual stories into a moving and powerful whole:
__________
Jail Times (Let it Out)
When I came here, I thought I had a daughter,
Turns out she’s not mine.
Been here 22 months,
Not a visit in all that time.
Six Christmases in a row,
Got another four to go.
Can’t wait till my court date
So I know when I’m going home.
Not a visit in all that time.
Six Christmases in a row,
Got another four to go.
Can’t wait till my court date
So I know when I’m going home.
________
(Bridge)
Being here has definitely changed me
It will bend me, but it won’t break me.
Being here has definitely changed me
It will bend me, but it won’t break me.
_________
(Chorus)
Let it out, let it out
Take it day by day by day
Let it out, let it out
Take it day by day by day
Every song’s got a memory
Of someone who’s dear to me
Singing makes me happy
Keeps me away from the pain
Locked up in jail
I’ll soon be home again.
Let it out, let it out
Take it day by day by day
Let it out, let it out
Take it day by day by day
Every song’s got a memory
Of someone who’s dear to me
Singing makes me happy
Keeps me away from the pain
Locked up in jail
I’ll soon be home again.
___________
Pure violence, fear and hate
When you’re fighting with yourself,
Locked up twenty four seven
Dealing with mental health.
Taking meds to help my mind,
But I leave my thoughts behind.
It’s hard to say goodbye,
Even on the phone.
When you’re fighting with yourself,
Locked up twenty four seven
Dealing with mental health.
Taking meds to help my mind,
But I leave my thoughts behind.
It’s hard to say goodbye,
Even on the phone.
Being here has definitely changed me,
It will bend me but it won’t break me.
_____________
Let it out, let it out
Take it day by day by day
Let it out, let it out
Take it day by day by day
Every song’s got a memory
Of someone who’s dear to me
Singing makes me happy
Keeps me away from the pain
Locked up in jail
I’ll soon be home again.
Take it day by day by day
Let it out, let it out
Take it day by day by day
Every song’s got a memory
Of someone who’s dear to me
Singing makes me happy
Keeps me away from the pain
Locked up in jail
I’ll soon be home again.
______________
Music makes me smile,
Even if it’s only for a while.
Music makes me smile
Even if it’s only for a while.