Inspired by a Muhammad Ali narration heard in the "1971, the year that music changed the world", documentary series on Apple TV, in the episode about the riots at the Attica penitentiary in NY, during which 33 inmates and 10 correctional officers were killed.

[Verse 1]
Better far from all I see, mmh
To die fightin’ just to be free
Yeah, better far from all I see
To die fightin’ just to be free
‘Cause lyin’ still and givin’ in
Ain’t the end that’s meant for me

[Verse 2]
Don’t want no bed where I waste away
Breathin’ slow at the end of days
Don’t want no bed where I waste away
Hearin’ ‘em whisper, feelin’ afraid
I’d rather stand tall with nothin’ left
Than fade out in pity and shame

[Chorus]
You can chain my hands, but not my soul
You can beat me down, but I won’t fold
You can take my body — that’s just clay
But I’ll rise again some righteous day

[Verse 3]
Better than a cell with no way out
Where the silence fills your shout
Yeah, better than a life locked tight
Is one good fight in the open light
They can throw me in a grave so cold
But they can’t ever buy my soul

[Chorus]
You can chain my hands, but not my soul
You can beat me down, but I won’t fold
You can take my body — that’s just clay
But I’ll rise again some righteous day

[Bridge ]
I ain’t scared of dyin’ — not like this…
But I won’t live kneelin’, beggin’ to exist…
You hear me?

[Instrumental Break] 

[Final Chorus] 
You can chain my hands, but not my soul 
You can break my bones, but I stay whole 
You can take my body — bury it deep 
But my freedom’s mine — and it won’t sleep

I'm Leaving Baby

Con Funk Shun

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