Discover the story of the song > Sonny’s Lettah – Linton Kwesi Johnson

The lyrics describe a letter written by someone named Sonny, who is in prison. Sonny is writing to his mother to tell her about an incident involving a little boy named Jim. Sonny and Jim were waiting for a bus when the police came and arrested Jim for no reason. The police then proceeded to beat Jim, causing him to become injured. Sonny couldn't stand by and watch, so he fought back and accidentally killed one of the police officers. Sonny assures his mother not to worry and to stay strong until he hears from her again.