BREATHE FREE   

Although Jim and Sarah are fictional characters, their situation represents the reality of enslaved people. Jim and Sarah married according to a traditional African custom. But their lives were not their own. As so often happened, families were split up as one member of the family was "sold."  The expressions, "sold south" and "sold down the river" come from this era.  Needless to say, it was a tragedy for those involved.

Communication was usually severed and it was not uncommon for a family members never to hear from those sold away ever again. In this segment, Jim heard that he was to be sold. He decides to run away. He promises to come back for Sarah and their child..but he was captured, and sold anyway.

LYRICS

Jim's part

Sarah, Sarah, Sarah my darlin'..

Just as soon as the  sun sets in the sky.

I must go, I must run away to night.

It's mighty hard, so hard to say good-bye.

Sarah's Part

Jim, Jim, Jim my darlin,

Though we promised, from the very start.

That we would stay, together forever.

We would never, never ever part.

And yet I know, I know it to be true.

That if you stay, I fear what they will do.

They'll sell you down south, so far away from me.

Then neither one of us would ever breathe free.

Jim's Part

Remember, Sarah, Sarah my darlin,

I promise this, it's what I plan to do.

I somehow will,  I'll come back here for you.

And our child, come back for her too.

Cause I'll find a way to rescue you.

 Then both of you, like me, will breathe free air too.


  
IMPROVISATION,by Bernie Katzman
 

Please click the music below for the entire transcription