Trouble
Hard Rock Justice: Josh White's Struggle Against Injustice
Lyrics
Well, I always been in trouble, 'cause I'm a black-skinned man
Expressing a history of facing difficulties due to being a black-skinned man.
Said I hit a white man, (and they) locked me in the can
Narrating an incident where hitting a white man led to imprisonment.
They took me to the stockade, wouldn't give me no trial
Describing being taken to the stockade without a trial.
The judge said, "You black boy, forty years on the hard rock pill"
Quoting the judge, indicating a severe sentence of 40 years of hard labor.
Trouble, trouble, sure won't make me stay
Expressing a determination not to be defeated by trouble.
Trouble, trouble, jail break due someday
Suggesting the anticipation of a future jailbreak despite ongoing trouble.
Wearin' cold iron shackles from my head down to my knee
Describing wearing shackles and mistreatment by the prison keeper.
And that mean old keeper, he's all time kickin' me
Highlighting the constant physical abuse from the keeper.
I went up to the walker and the head boss too
Approaching authority figures, asking for help from the walker and head boss.
Said, "You big white folks, please see what you can do"
Addressing white individuals, seeking their assistance.
Sheriff winked at the policeman, said, "I won't forget you nohow
Describing collusion between the sheriff and policeman, expressing a lack of justice.
You better come back and see me again, boy, about 40 years from now"
Implying a lack of empathy from the authorities, with a sarcastic comment about returning in 40 years.
Went back to the walker, he looked at me and said
Returning to seek help again, facing a dismissive response about a future demise.
"Don't you worry about 40, 'cause in five years you'll be dead"
Rejecting concerns about the future, suggesting a shorter life expectancy.
Trouble, trouble, makes me weep and moan
Expressing the emotional toll of continuous trouble.
Trouble, trouble, every since I was born
Stating a lifelong experience of difficulties since birth.
Trouble, trouble, sure won't make me stay
Reiterating determination not to succumb to trouble.
Trouble, trouble, jail break due someday
Anticipating a future jailbreak despite ongoing challenges.
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