Protest Songs
Below, you will find the lyrics to three of the most popular songs used in this movement. It is important consider the message and why these particular songs would be popular. Also, go to the Smithsonian Folkways website to hear an excerpt of each of these songs, as part of an entire album promoting Women's Suffrage (2012).
Keep Woman in Her Sphere
(Auld Lang Syne)
by D. Estabrook This song is found in numerous suffrage songbooks, and was widely sung at rallies. I have a neighbor, one of those Not very hard to find Who know it all without debate And never change their mind I asked him”What of woman’s rights?” He said in tones severe-- “My mind on that is all made up, Keep woman in her sphere.” I saw a man in tattered garb Forth from the grog-shop come He squandered all his cash for drink and starved his wife at home I asked him “Should not woman vote” He answered with a sneer-- “I’ve taught my wife to know her place, Keep woman in her sphere.” I met an earnest, thoughtful man Not many days ago Who pondered deep all human law The honest truth to know I asked him”What of woman’s cause?” The answer came sincere -- “Her rights are just the same as mine, Let woman choose her sphere.” |
The New America
(America)
Sung at the National-American Woman’s Suffrage Convention, 1891, this song reflects a common suffrage argument — that giving women the vote simply fullfilled the promise of 1776. Our country, now from thee Claim we our liberty In freedom’s name Guarding home’s altar fires Daughters of patriot sires Their zeal our own inspires Justice to claim Women in every age For this great heritage Tribute have paid Our birth-right claim we now Longer refuse to bow On freedom’s altar now Our hand is laid Sons, will you longer see Mothers on bended knee For justice pray? Rise now, in manhood’s might With earth’s great souls unite To speed the dawning light Of freedom’s day |
Oh Dear, What Can the Matter Be?
(Oh Dear, What Can the Matter Be?)
by L. May Wheeler Set to a popular parlour tune, this song addresses an argument made against woman’s suffrage: that women already had everything they needed -- male protection, a sphere of their own — and didn’t need to vote as well. Dear dear what can the matter be Oh dear, what can the matter be Women are wanting to vote Women have husbands, they are protected Women have sons by whom they’re directed Women have fathers, they’re not neglected Why are they wanting to vote? Women have homes, there they should labor Women have children whom they should favor Women have time to learn of each neighbor Why are they wanting to vote? Women can dress, they love society Women have cash with all its variety Women can pray with sweetest piety Why are they wanting to vote? Women have reared all the sons of the brave Women have shared n the burdens they gave Women have labored this country to save And that’s why we’re going to vote Oh Dear, what can the matter be Dear dear what can the matter be Oh dear, what can the matter be Why should men get every vote? |
(Gribi)