Break My Chain (Lyrics Anon 1830s, Music Ian Inkster 2017 Poem by Dr Ian Inkster

Ifound the verse or poem in a provincial newspaper of the 1830s, during the decade of political reform, ranging from Whigs to Chartists. It was unsigned and has probably never been taken up since that time. I have kept the music for it very simple in balladic form and non-major chords.
As was often the case at this time, the English wprker was compared to slavery in other parts of the world, especially in America during these years. The focus was normally on freedom as much as upon poverty, though both moral and political economists were beginning to emphasise the necessary linkage between these two. It is very simple and very good.
Ian Inkster