Set Them Free - Original - Lee "Scratch" Perry

«Now, this supposed to be

The trial of Emmanuel Zechariah Zechipaul

Adolfus James, and Lord Grabandflee

So listen carefully all you juries»

«Your honor, may I introduce myself?»

«Yes you may»

«My name is Lord Defender

May I speak on behalf of my clients?»

«Yes you may»

«Well, I don’t think it’s fair

To sentence these men to five hundred years»

«Are you suggesting that I’m unfair?»

«No, your honor, but as you see

They are from a poor generation

Having no education, no qualification

So they are driven to desperation

Can’t get a job, they have been forced to rob

I’m not suggesting that they should

But as you know, a hungry man is an angry one

So give them a chance, your honor, please

Think it over, before you throw them over

Please give them a break, to mend their mistake

Your honor, as you already know that robbery was from creation

For it was robbery that befall the black nation

Our ancestors once ruled this world and all its gold

But now we are poor, who stole the gold?

Your honor, could you answer me that question?

If you can’t, then there must be silent teeth

As well as and wailing thiefs

So please think it over, your honor, before you throw them over

Give them a break, to mend their mistake»