|
Grandmothers for Peace InternationalActivism > Other Granny Groups > Grandmothers Against the War |
|
|
Grandmothers for Peace InternationalActivism > Other Granny Groups > Grandmothers Against the War |
The Grandmothers Against the War singing group, “the New York Granny Chicks,” has become a huge hit on the peace circuit since they emerged as socko entertainers more than a year ago.
The group, consisting of veteran jingle, cabaret, TV and theatre performers Helen Miles, Rose Marie Jun, and Joan Wile (who writes the group’s original material), made their debut in April 2005 at a THAW (Theatres Against the War) FREEDOM FOLLIES. They were such a smash that they were immediately invited back for the next Follies.
Since then, they have performed countless times in countless venues — galas, campaign fundraisers, peace rallies, and so on. As of this writing, August 24, 2006, they are scheduled to perform in two days for a Women’s Equality Day Festival honoring Coretta Scott King, Bella Abzug, Betty Friedan, and the Dixie Chicks.
The New York Granny Chicks recorded a CD of two of their most popular anti-war songs, “GRANNIES, LET’S UNITE” and “I’VE GOT TO TAKE BACK MY COUNTRY,” which have played on Air America Radio, WBAI, and a number of Manhattan cable programs.
Joan performed the songs alone in Berlin in March 2006 when she and two other grandmothers spoke at several peace conferences there and also on the Trek from New York to Washington in June and July, 2006.
Joan will send you a copy of the CD for $10.00. Contact her at joanwile@grandmothersagainstthewar.org.
Lyrics to the two songs are copied below:
I WAS SITTING AROUND WATCHING SOAPS
JUST A USELESS OLD SAD SACK
BUT THEN I HEARD THOSE REPUBLICAN DOPES
SAY WE HAD TO BOMB IRAQ
WELL, I JUMPED UP RIGHT OUT OF MY SEAT
GOT MY BANNERS AND PEACE SIGNS OUT
THEN I HURRIED DOWN TO THE STREET
AND STARTED TO YELL AND SHOUT...
GRANDMAS, GET OFFA YOUR TUSH
WE’VE GOT TO GET RID OF BUSH
LET’S GO AFTER THAT LYING JERK
AND WIPE AWAY THAT OBNOXIOUS SMIRK
OH, THEY GAVE US THE PATRIOT ACT
WATCH OUR RIGHTS DRIBBLE DOWN THE TUBES
SEE OUR CONSTITUTION ATTACKED
LET’S GET RID OF THOSE ARROGANT BOOBS
GRANDMAS, GET OFFA YOUR BUTTS
FIGHT AGAINST THOSE MEDICARE CUTS
DEMONSTRATE AGAINST THE WAR
MAKE A STINK THEY CAN’T IGNORE
JUST FORGET YOUR RETIREMENT PURSUITS
AND GET OUT YOUR OLD MARCHING BOOTS
LET’S TELL CHENEY, CONDI AND RUMMY
“YOUR POLICIES ARE REALLY CRUMMY”
GRANDMAS, GET OFFA YOUR FANNIES
WE NEED MORE FIGHTING GRANNIES
LET’S SHOW ’EM OUR GREAT GREY POWER
MAKE THOSE EVIL MONSTERS COWER
GRANDMAS, LET’S UNITE
WHILE WE ARE STILL UPRIGHT
LET’S REMOVE THAT PARASITE
WATCH OUT, WE’VE JUST BEGUN TO FIGHT
WE’VE ... JUST ... BE ... GUN ... TO ... FIGHT!!!!
(introduction)
THE CARIBBEAN CRUISE WILL HAVE TO WAIT
THE BRIDGE CLUB IS ON HOLD
IT HAPPENS I’VE A VERY FULL PLATE
SO I’VE NO TIME FOR GROWING OLD
(verses)
I’VE GOT TO TAKE BACK MY COUNTRY
AND I’VE GOT NO TIME TO WASTE
BECAUSE WE’RE FACING CATASTROPHE
THE WORST WE’VE EVER FACED
I’VE GOT TO TAKE BACK MY COUNTRY
FIND OUT WHERE IT WENT
ITS PRINCIPLES ARE A MOCKERY
AND ITS PROMISE HAS BEEN SPENT
I SEE THE CHILDREN’S HOPEFUL EYES
I WONDER WHAT THEY HAVE IN STORE
WILL A TYRANT’S LIES
HAVE THEM TRAPPED IN ENDLESS WAR
THE YOUNG ONES ALL COUNT ON ME
TO FIX THINGS WHERE WE’VE FAILED
I CAN’T ALLOW THEIR FUTURES TO BE
NEEDLESSLY DERAILED
(bridge)
I ALWAYS THOUGHT I’D MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE
AND I WOULD SETTLE SNUGLY IN MY ROCKING CHAIR
TODAY I FIND I’D LEAVE BEHIND A TARNISHED SPACE
WITH EVER-RISING POVERTY, POLLUTION AND DESPAIR
(verses)
THE KIDS ARE DYING
FAR AWAY IN FOREIGN LANDS
I MUST KEEP ON TRYING
THEIR LIVES ARE IN MY HANDS
IN THE TIME THAT’S LEFT TO ME
I’LL CONTINUE TO STRIVE
TO TAKE BACK MY COUNTRY
AS LONG AS I’M ALIVE!
SAVE OUR CHILDREN
SAVE OUR CITY
SAVE OUR COUNTRY
SAVE OUR PLAAAAN-ET!!