(a single-song CD, 2:39 minutes)

"O, Chain Lightnin' " - in the form of an a capella work-song - was inspired by the human tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in September of 2005, by the initial non-response of national and local leaders to the devastation, and by the people of the Gulf Coast - especially those without means to rebuild their lives and homes - who felt disenfranchised and abandoned by their leaders.

For the style of the song, I drew on my childhood memories of following the chain gangs around on the backroads of South Carolina in the 40s and 50s, just to hear them sing...Jack

Proceeds from the first release of "O, Chain Lightnin'" were donated to
Habitat for Humanity's Home Delivery program. Over $1400 was given to
help provide housing for families displaced by the storm.

Many thanks to Danny Harlow who donated his time, engineering expertise
and use of The Racket Factory in Cayce, SC, for the recording of this project.

$2.00 USD, plus shipping

O, Chain Lightnin' (2:39)
by Jack Williams, 2005

O, chain lightnin'
A great storm arisin'
Shook my nation's foundation
And now I can't go home.

Rain fallin' steady
Wind howlin' heavy
Crack in the levee, children
Hear the awful truth.

God made an oak tree
God made my eyes to see
Mother and my family
Torn from my arms

I had a country
I had a family
I had a great city
Older than the sea

Flyin' over Poncha'train
Flyin' over hurricane
High above the simple man
Your flag's forgotten me

Who's that standin' in the wings
With bread 'n water & our dreams
Them - for whom freedom rings
Who slept right through the storm

They lied to their brethren
Lied up to heaven
Lied to their children
Cryin' from the roof