Prison Song
Farewell to Freedom: Graham Nash's Prison Song Story
Lyrics
One day a friend took me aside
Addressing a moment when a friend approached and talked privately.
And said I have to leave you
Being informed that the speaker must part ways because of a purchase from a friend.
For buying something from a friend
Suggesting that the purchase was illegal or morally wrong.
They say I've done wrong
Acknowledging the accusation of wrongdoing by others.
For protecting the name of a man
Stating the reason for the alleged wrongdoing: protecting someone's reputation.
They say I'll have to leave you,
Being told that leaving the relationship is necessary due to the perceived wrongdoing.
So now I'm bidding you farewell
Expressing farewell to the partner for an extended period.
For much too long.
Emphasizing the duration of the farewell as too long.
And here's a song to sing,
Introducing a song dedicated to incarcerated individuals.
For every man inside,
Encouraging every imprisoned man to listen to the song.
If he can hear you sing
Highlighting that if they can hear the song, it signifies an opportunity for change.
It's an open door.
Describing the song as an open door for those who can perceive its message.
There's not a rich man there,
Asserting that wealth cannot shield someone from legal consequences.
Who couldn't pay his way
Emphasizing the inability of a rich person to buy their way out of trouble.
And buy the freedom that's a high price
Commenting on the high cost of obtaining freedom for the less privileged.
For the poor.
Highlighting the disparity in the price of freedom for the poor.
Kids in Texas
Introducing a scenario involving kids in Texas engaging in drug use.
Smoking grass,
Describing the act of smoking marijuana.
Ten year sentence
Revealing the severe consequence of a ten-year sentence for drug-related activities.
Comes to pass
Reflecting on the disproportionate punishment for the offense.
Misdemeanor
Referring to a minor offense in Ann Arbor.
In Ann Arbor,
Asking judges about the rationale behind such punishments.
Ask the judges
Posing a question to authority figures regarding the fairness of their decisions.
Why?
Questioning the reasons behind legal judgments.
One day a friend said to her kids
Describing another situation where a friend notifies their children about leaving.
I'm gonna have to leave you
Explaining the reason for departure: selling something to the authorities.
For selling something to the man
Admitting to wrongdoing by selling an item to law enforcement.
I guess I did wrong
Acknowledging the mistake and its consequences.
And although I did the best I could
Expressing the best efforts made despite the circumstances.
I'm gonna have to leave you
Accepting the necessity of parting ways due to the perceived wrongdoing.
So now I'm kissing you farewell
Bidding farewell to loved ones for an extended period.
For much too long.
Emphasizing the prolonged nature of the farewell.
And here's a song to sing,
Presenting a song dedicated to imprisoned men.
For every man inside
Encouraging every incarcerated man to listen to the song.
If he can hear you sing
Stating that if they can hear the song, it symbolizes an opportunity for change.
It's an open door.
Describing the song as an open door for those who can perceive its message.
There's not a rich man there
Asserting that wealth cannot shield someone from legal consequences.
Who couldn't pay his way
Emphasizing the inability of a rich person to buy their way out of trouble.
And buy the freedom that's a high price
Commenting on the high cost of obtaining freedom for the less privileged.
For the poor
Highlighting the disparity in the price of freedom for the poor.
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