Redemption Song

As part of our celebration of Black History Month, we have been practising the Bob Marley song "Redemption Song", which talks about the taking of slaves from Africa.  Today students were introduced to the story of 'slave ships' and some of the harsh realities associated with them.  We will continue to work on the song, on Ukes, in class in the coming days.

The song chords are below, so that students can practice at home, if they have a Uke, or guitar.  We hope to present this song at our sharing later this month.

INTRO

VERSE 1:

      G                       Em

Old pirates, yes, they rob I

C                C           Am

sold I to the merchant ships

G                           Em     

Minutes after they took I

C                C          Am

   from the bottomless pit.

           G             Em       C

But my hand was made strong

           C            Am

by the hand of the      Almighty.

     G                             Em     C              D  

We forward in this generation  triumphantly.

CHORUS:

                           G      

Won't you help to sing

C            D             G

 these songs of freedom?

           C       D          Em    

'Cause all I    ever have

C       D             G       C     D         

   redemption songs.

VERSE 2:

           G                                      Em

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery

                   C                   Am

none but ourselves can free our minds.

              G                     Em

Have no fear for atomic energy

                         C                D

'cause none of them can stop the time.

       G                                  Em

How long shall they kill our prophets

               C               Am

While we stand aside and   look?

          G                  Em

Some say it's just a part of it

          C                     D  

we've got to fulfill the    book.

CHORUS 2:

                           G      

Won't you help to sing

C             D          G

 these songs of freedom?

           C         D          Em    

'Cause all I    ever have

C       D           G       C        D              G      C     D             G       C     D          

   Redemption songs.    Redemption songs.   Redemption songs.

INSTRUMENTAL:

/ Em - - - / C - D - / x4

REPEAT VERSE 2

CHORUS 3:

                           G      

Won't you help to sing

C            D          G

 these songs of freedom?

           C       D           Em    

'Cause all I    ever have

C      D              G       C     D           Em

   Redemption songs,    all I ever have

C     D            Em     C          D              G    

  Redemption songs, these songs of freedom

C     D         G

      songs of freedom

C  C  Am  G