White Lies and Alibi

Album: Dizzy Heights (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song explores themes of justice, hope and incarceration and was penned by Finn after meeting Damien Echols, one of the West Memphis Three, who spent 18 years in prison falsely accused of murdering three boys.
  • Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley, Jr. and Jason Baldwin were convicted in the killing of eight-year-olds Steve Branch, Christopher Byers, and Michael Moore at Robin Hood Hills, West Memphis, Arkansas, on May 5, 1993. Echols was sentenced to death whilst Misskelley, Jr. and Baldwin were jailed for life. Many believed the three were innocent and various musicians organised fund raising initiatives to raise money for their legal defence. One notable example was a benefit album, Rise Above: 24 Black Flag Songs to Benefit the West Memphis Three, which was released in 2002.

    The trio were eventually released on August 19, 2011, following newly produced DNA evidence. Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder was one of the musicians that gave the West Memphis Three significant support throughout their ordeal and his 2011 song "Satellite" was inspired by the loyalty shown to Echols by his wife Lorri Davis.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")Song Writing

Nick made some of the biggest videos on MTV, including "The Final Countdown," "Heaven" and "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)."

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."