Not folk I suppose, although the two brothers who led UB40 are the sons of Ian Campbell. Anyway, it's a song about Gary Tyler.


TYLER
As recorded by UB40 on "Signing Off" (1980)

Appeal to the governor of Louisiana.
You may get an answer; the process is slow.
Federal government too much to help him.
It's been nearly five years and they won't let him go.

CHORUS: Tyler is guilty; the white judge has said so.
What right do we have to say it's not so?
Tyler is guilty; the white judge has said so.
What right do we have to say it's not so?

Testify under pressure, a racist jury,
Government lawyers, it's all for show;
With rows of white faces, false accusations,
He's framed up for murder; they won't let him go. CHORUS

Police gun was planted, no matching bullets,
No prints on the handle, no proof to show,
But Tyler is guilty; the white judge has said so.
They show him no mercy; they won't let him go. CHORUS

REPEAT VERSE 1 & CHORUS TWICE