July 17, Controlling Women, (May be sung to Dark as a Dungeon) (1)

 

Come all you young ladies, so brave and so fine,

Republicans say you are all out of line.

They think they should own you, both body and soul.

Yes, even your uterus in their control.

Chorus melody:

Controlling the intimate things that you do,

In even your love life, your choices are few.

You say, “It’s my body;” you say, “It’s my choice.”

Republicans say, “Who said you have a voice?”

 

Our right wing Supreme Court says states may decide,

To treat an abortion just like homicide.

And incest and rape may not matter at all,

Nor age of the victim; states may make the call.

Chorus melody:

It’s right wing religion that now dominates;

So your rights are fewer in all the Red States.

To cross a state border may be made a crime,

If for an abortion, you’ll be doing time.

 

So, all you young ladies, so brave and so fine,

Will you let Republicans keep you in line?

Will you let them rule you, both body and soul?

Like they rape the air with their oil, gas, and coal?

Chorus Melody:

Control of the most private things that you do,

Red States say they’ll make all your choices for you.

You say, “It’s my body;” you say, “It’s my choice”

Now, it’s time for action to back up your voice.

 

• “Dark as a Dungeon,” by Merle Travis, 1946. It is a song about coal mining and has been covered by many country singers.  Look it up and take your choice.