A ground-breaking blend of concentrated funk, electronica, soul, and future… Read Full Bio ↴A ground-breaking blend of concentrated funk, electronica, soul, and futureheaded jazz rock. William S. Fischer, musical director for 1960's soul funk experiments of Eddie Harris, Eugene McDaniels and Les McCann, released his amazing debut solo album for the Embryo label in 1970. Some of these songs would appear in the 1971 streets of New York drug movie Born To Win starring Robert De Niro & Karen Black. Features Ron Carter and Billy Cobham, and is #43 on Mojo's list of the "50 Most Out There Albums of All Time"... then in 1972 he lands in the Basque country and produces some funky reinterpretations of popular Basque folklore songs and dances, all around the theme of witchery and covens (Akelarre). As crazy and weird as it may sound, this record is virtually unheard of in collector's circles. What he comes up with is really astounding, a funky as hell workout which will get you screaming for more. Killer go-go psychedelic soul which defies categorisation: tight rhythm section, open drum breaks, funky as hell guitar leads, groovy flute, weird electronic sound effects and Moog bits (most likely courtesy of Walter E. Sear, who gets a mention in the original liners) alternate with more stylish moments (think Terry Callier or blaxploitation soundtracks of the era like Marvin Gaye's Troubleman) and even some fusion styled groovers.

Chains
William S. Fischer Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If you've been walkin' the same old road for miles and miles
If you've been hearin' the same old voice tell the same old lies
If you're tryin' to fill the same old holes inside
There's a better life
There's a better life

If you've got pain
He's a pain taker

If you feel lost
He's a way maker
If you need freedom or savin'
He's a prison-shaking Savior
If you've got chains
He's a chain breaker

We've all searched for the light of day in the dead of night
We've all found ourself worn out from the same old fight
We've all run to things we know just ain't right
And there's a better life
There's a better life

If you've got pain
He's a pain taker
If you feel lost
He's a way maker
If you need freedom or savin'
He's a prison-shaking Savior
If you've got chains
Oh, He's a chain breaker

If you believe it
If you receive it
If you can feel it
Somebody testify

If you believe it
If you receive it
If you can feel it
Somebody testify, testify

If you believe it
If you receive it
If you can feel it
Somebody testify

If you've got pain
He's a pain taker
If you feel lost
He's a way maker
If you need freedom or savin'
He's a prison-shaking Savior
If you've got chains
He's a chain breaker

Oh, if you need freedom or savin'
He's a prison-shaking Savior

If you've got chains
Oh, He's a chain breaker

Overall Meaning

The song "Chains" by William S. Fischer is a powerful and soulful plea to those who feel weighed down by their circumstances, encouraging them to believe in the possibility of redemption and transformation. The first verse speaks of the monotony and emptiness of repeating the same mistakes and feeling lost inside. However, the chorus introduces the idea that there is a way out of the pain and chains that bind us. The verses continue to build on this theme, emphasizing that we all have moments of darkness and struggle, but that there is a better life waiting for us. The lyrics express the idea that by embracing faith and believing in the power of a savior, one can find a way to break free from the chains that hold them back.

The song is a moving expression of hope and resilience, and the repetition of the chorus drives home its message of promise and possibility. The use of metaphors like "pain taker" and "chain breaker" contribute to the song's emotional power, as well as the pleading refrain of "somebody testify." Ultimately, "Chains" is a call to action, urging those who hear it to believe in themselves and the potential for a better life, even in the midst of hardship and struggle.

Line by Line Meaning

If you've been walking the same old road for miles and miles
If you have been stuck in the same routine for an extended period of time

If you've been hearing the same old voice tell the same old lies
If you've been listening to repetitive negativity, lies, and deceit

If you're trying to fill the same old holes inside
If you are trying to substitute something for a feeling of emptiness

There's a better life
There is an improved existence waiting for you

If you've got pain
If you are experiencing distress

He's a pain taker
He can alleviate your suffering

If you feel lost
If you're feeling like you don't have direction

He's a way maker
He can provide guidance and show you the right path

If you need freedom or saving
If you are in need of liberation or assistance

He's a prison-shaking Savior
He is capable of freeing you from the confinement of misfortune

If you've got chains
If you are being weighed down and afflicted by complications