True Story about Darryl Hunt an innocent man wrongly accused of rape and murder. This is a song written for a challenge on Muses Muse songwriting site, to write a true story murder ballad.
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Story behind the song
I chose this story because it happened near my home and I always felt great admiration of Mr. Hunt's strength and faith until he was freed, after serving 20 years in prison for a murder he never committed. Special thanks to Don Sechelski for his teaching and patience on the lyrics, as well as his ability on the music/vocals.
Lyrics
A Man like Me
Watched a mouse steal a meal
from my plastic tray
Through the bars, past the guards,
such an easy getaway
Lord, if you even know my name,
get me out of this place
Once I was Mister Hunt,
now, I'm 809
Stripped of hope and dignity
for another man’s crime
Invisible as a stranger’s heartache
nothing left, but time
Chorus
I’m innocent
Is anybody listening?
I’m innocent
Does anybody care?
Freedom don’t come easy
For a man like me
Raped and stabbed sixteen times
with a rusty blade
Fine white girl in her prime,
such a sad, sad day
Too dark brown, on the wrong side of town,
yeah, they took me away
I had no chance when I stepped
in that witness stand
All white jury saw a monster,
not a poor black man
Lord, is there any justice
in the Promised Land?
Chorus
I’m innocent
Is anybody listening?
I’m innocent
Does anybody care?
Freedom don’t come easy
for a man like me
Musical Break
Chorus
I’m innocent
Is anybody listening?
I’m innocent
Does anybody care?
Freedom won’t come easy
For a man like me
For a man like me
For a man like me
© Kime/Sechelski
