Tuesday, September 18, 2012

You’ve had a chance to live your life

Song recommendation: Birmingham Jail by Chatham County Line




Four little girls tying their sash in the basement room that day 
Poking fun and making jokes before getting on their knees to pray 
Just so young with all their dreams and years to their end
Strewn away in the rubble by the hatred of scared white men 

It was early December in the year of ‘63 
George Wallace defied what the federal courts they did decree 
They said make your school doors open for the child of black & white 
Wallace clenched up both his fists and he called out for a fight 

Down in the Birmingham Jail 
Down in the Birmingham Jail 
You’ve had a chance to live your life but now you’re locked. . . 
In the Birmingham Jail 

When the locals heard the news that day, their blood began to boil 
They decided the only good coloured man is down beneath the soil 
So with their hate and money, they began to conspire 
And soon in Birmingham the air was thick with powder and fire 

Down in the Birmingham Jail 
Down in the Birmingham Jail 
You’ve had a chance to live your life but now you’re locked. . .
In the Birmingham Jail 

Four little girls tying their sash in the basement room that day 
Poking fun and making jokes before getting on their knees to pray 
Just so young with all their dreams and years to their end
Strewn away in the rubble by the hatred of scared white men 

Down in the Birmingham Jail 
Down in the Birmingham Jail 
You’ve had a chance to live your life but now you’re locked. . .
In the Birmingham Jail