SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK: From their 25th Anniversary CD
Words and music by NITANJU BOLADE CASEL © 1994 Clear Ice Music (BMI)

[Editors note:  While this song is written about women, it is music for all.]

"My first introduction to an abusive relationship occurred years ago when a friend of mine knocked on my door for a place to stay. I opened my home for her safety and that is probably when this song began. Since that time I have watched countless interviews of the abused as well as abusers, apathy among law officials, stalkings, and murders - all of which have left me with a queasy nervousness and raging anger that this could happen. "How could they stay?," I would ask myself over and over again. I had never been in this kind of relationship with a man, so my frame of reference was very narrow. But as time went by, I really tried to listen to what these victims were saying, and began to understand... Run!!!

"This song has a rhythm and blues feel and is for all voices. A few instruments would enhance the sound, but add too many and things will start to sound cluttered. The rhythm should remind one of the breaths which come from running and the pulse should be a heartbeat (luba duba) full of fear and conviction.
           --Nitanju Bolade Casel

INTRO:
No one has the right to hurt me
Especially when they say,
they love me.

Apologies don't make
anything better
So I'll take my love and my life
And leave today...

RIFF:
Run... to a shelter
Run... to a friend
Run... for my life
Before it comes to an end.

CHORUS:
I am gonna run far away from here
No more cussing, no more fighting
and living in fear

I am gonna run far away from you
I have come to my senses
and I don't need you

I am gonna run, gonna leave you today
Because I know there's got to
be a better way

I am gonna run, take my
children's hands.
We are leaving this nightmare
as fast as we can...

VERSE 1:
I don't even know in which direction I should go
But I'm sure it's the right thing to do
It's time to make a move.

The first time I was shoved, I should have been out the door.
But I accepted the apologies and open myself up for more...

Abuses
Excuses
Abuses
Excuse me!

I don't have to live this way.
I am leaving you today.

Abuses
Excuses
Abuses
Excuse me!

I don't have to suffer anymore
I'm walking right out of the door...

VERSE 2:
Some of my "so-called" friends advised me to stick around
But they're not the ones getting cursed and slapped
or beaten down to the ground.

They say financial security is hard to come by for a woman like me
And for the children I need a good home,
and I should sacrifice until they're grown...with

Abuses
Excuses
Abuses
Excuse me!

I don't have to live this way.
I am leaving you today.

Abuses
Excuses
Abuses
Excuse me!

I don't have to suffer anymore
I'm walking right out of the door...

(CHORUS: I am gonna run far away from here....)

VERSE 3:
Now, I don't blame myself for the present situation.
For this kind of behavior there is no justification

I'm looking ahead to the future but I won't forget the past
I won't repeat this part of my life, I'm thankful it's over at last

No more...

Abuses
Excuses
Abuses
Excuse me!

I don't have to live this way.
I am leaving you today.

Abuses
Excuses
Abuses
Excuse me!

I don't have to suffer anymore
I'm walking right out of the door...

Run... to a shelter
Run... to a friend
Run... for my life
Before it comes to an end.

(CHORUS: I am gonna run far away from here....)