Background

The lyrics for this song were borrowed from an obscure 18th century poet called James Montgomery who was wrongfully imprisoned twice for 'political libel', and they express the anguish of trying to cope mentally with imprisonment by taking your mind and imagination elsewhere to better places. I wrote the music to convey these very potent lyrics, and also added a touch of anger in the music to mark the frustration of being falsely imprisoned.

I collect books and many years ago found a nice old leather-bound volume of James Montgomery's poems in a second hand bookshop.  I was fascinated by the dedication in the front which reads: "C E Longdon. The Fourth Class English Prize. Dec 17th 1868".  Sad, when I think the book was once a cherished gift that meant a lot to a schoolboy who then became a man, then an old man, and then just someone else lost to history.  I found the lyrics in a section of the book devoted to poems Montgomery composed whilst in prison.  In those days politics could land you in gaol without due process. Renowned for his religious poetry, in later life he also became one of the champions for the abolition of slavery in England and there's a monument to him in Sheffield because of this work.
 

I called it C.3.3. because that was the number of Oscar Wilde's cell in Reading (Building C Floor 3 cell 3) where he endured two years hard labour that broke him and caused his premature death a few short years later. The only piece of work he wrote after being freed was the incredibly moving poem 'Ballad Of Reading Gaol'.  (Please take a moment to click on that link and read this poem - you'll be glad you did, I promise!)
 

I played and sang all parts, except for the piano part which was courtesy of Band In A Box software from my chord progressions.  It's a bit of an epic but I'm proud of this one and hope you like it!
 

              C.3.3.

1.   In this sweet place where freedom reigns secured by bolts and snug in chains,