The history and politics of the English protest song

1978

Sonny's Lettah

Tune: Original
Lyrics: Linton Kwesi Johnson
Composer: Linton Kwesi Johnson

Linton Kwesi Johnson indicts police brutality and the hated sus (suspected person) laws that allowed people to be arrested under the Vagrancy Act of 1824. Over a reggae backing track, we hear Sonny writing from prison to his Mama about how he and his brother Jim were stopped and violently abused. Fighting back, Sonny kills an officer. The matter-of-fact delivery emphasises the daily reality of racism

Cause: Anti-racist
Theme: Rights | Identity | Political Process
Addressed to: The Oppressed/targeted
Target of Protest: Police etc
Proposal/Solution: Repeal