John Sinclair

Album: Sometime in New York City (1972)
Play Video
  • It ain't fair, John Sinclair
    In the stir for breathing air
    Won't you care for John Sinclair
    In the stir for breathing air?
    Let him be, set him free
    Let him be like you and me

    They gave him ten for two
    What else can the judges do?
    Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta
    Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta
    Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta
    Gotta, gotta, gotta set him free

    If he'd been a soldier man
    Shooting gooks in Vietnam
    If he was the CIA
    Selling dope and making hay
    He'd be free, they'd let him be
    Breathing air, like you and me
    Fight on

    They gave him ten for two
    What else can the judges do?
    Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta
    Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta
    Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta
    Gotta, gotta, gotta set him free
    Free

    They gave him ten for two
    They got old Lee Otis too
    Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta
    Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta
    Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta
    Gotta, gotta, gotta set him free
    Free now

    Was he jailed for what he'd done
    Or representing everyone?
    Free John now, if we can
    From the clutches of the man
    Let him be, lift the lid
    Bring him to his wife and kids
    Alright

    They gave him ten for two
    What else can the bastards do?
    Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta
    Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta
    Gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta
    Gotta, gotta, gotta set him free
    Free Writer/s: John Winston Lennon
    Publisher: Downtown Music Publishing
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 5

  • AnonymousIt’s
    What else can judge Columbia do
    And
    Let got Oun Plamondon too
  • Barry from New York, NcThe posthumously released album ACOUSTIC contains John's set at the 1971 John Sinclair rally. Short but sweet. Worth checking out.
  • Reed from New Ulm, MnWhat a sad pathetic injustice it was, what happened to John Sinclair---I praise John Lennon for having the guts to speak out about it!
  • Bob from Southfield, MiJohn Sinclair moved to New Orleans in the mid 80s but has returned to the Detroit area. He is still a popular figure around town making many appearances at jazz venues and poetry readings.
  • George from Calumet City, IlVery underrated song from the late, great John Lennon.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)Songwriter Interviews

Steve Cropper on the making of "In the Midnight Hour," the chicken-wire scene in The Blues Brothers, and his 2021 album, Fire It Up.

Weezer

WeezerFact or Fiction

Did Rivers Cuomo grow up on a commune? Why did they name their albums after colors? See how well you know your Weezer in this Fact or Fiction.

Is That Song Public Domain?

Is That Song Public Domain?Fact or Fiction

Are classic songs like "Over The Rainbow" and "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in the public domain?

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.