Lead singers Jacob Hemphill (vocals, guitar) and Bob Jefferson (bass) met in first grade in Virginia, shortly after Jacob had returned from living in Africa with his family. The two instantly became best friends, and in middle school found a common love for hip hop and rock music. Throughout middle and high school, they met Patrick O’Shea (keyboards), Ryan Berty (drums), and Ken Brownell (percussion) – who would later form SOJA. During this period, reggae music was becoming an addiction for the budding musicians.
Four years of hard work!This month of May we celebrated four years on the air. We continue working on the dissemination of this wonderful instrument, thank you for participating in our story!
Am These prison blues a standard issue C Even when our shirts ain't blue F We've got shake downs on a daily F Shanks and ropes, she snitches too Am Those bars lockin' down a cell block C Warden's yellin' down the hall F Was you gonna make my prison thicker? F Higher, sharper wall?
[Chorus]
Dm I lift that hammer, hammer's heavy F And let that fall upon a stone C And let that shake these chains that bind me G And build these walls I call my home Dm I've got scars that poorly mended F And I don't seem to fit no more C Yet I wake myself each mornin' GAmCF Just prepare for what's in store AmCF For what's in store for me AmCF
[Verse 2]
Am So tonight it's cold cold as bullets C Keys walk up and down my tear F Tell myself the end is coming soon F To chase away the fear, Am That same fear that's got me drinkin' C and put these tracks all down my arm FF That same fear's been inside me, ever since I was born
[Chorus]
Dm I lift that hammer, hammer's heavy F And let that fall upon a stone C And let that shake these chains that bind me G And build these walls I call my home Dm I've got scars that poorly mended F And I don't seem to fit no more C Yet I wake myself each mornin' GAmCF Just prepare for what's in store AmCF For what's in store for me AmCF
[Verse 3]
Am Freedom's just a distant memory C I lose more and more each day F Can't forgive the man inside me F My tranquility is gone Am Every day's like every other C Every day's like every other F Every day's like every other FAm Every day's like..let me out of here C Let me out of here F Let me out of here F Let me out of here