“The Era of the ERA” Sheet Music (pdf).
“The Era of the ERA” Karaoke (midi with lyrics).
Lyrics: Phyllis Unger Hiller.
Tune: Phyllis Unger Hiller.
The Equal Rights Amendment came up in Tennessee.
The legislature voted, “Yes.” Thought best for you and me.
Tennessee came on strong to have it ratified.
It looked like justice had prevailed. And all were satisfied.
Once it was all ratified, Tennessee had done its part.
But, no, that wasn’t right enough; someone had made another start.
Should have heard one senator, debating on the floor,
Equating equal rights with the signs on restroom doors.
Rescind! Rescind! Don’t let this thing begin!
Freedom of this kind affects a woman’s mind.
Rescind! Rescind! Don’t let this thing begin!
It will all “get out of hand” when they’re equal to the men!
Isaiah and Peter were quoted left and right.
Pro and con, rescind or not, became the issued fight.
“They want to draft your mother, kids, and send her off to war.
Then, you won’t have a mommy to love you anymore.
And what about drafting women? Be glad for what they’ve got.
Protect the family unit and destroy this Commie plot.
Women are the weaker sex and belong at home at night.
Not in an army barracks with soldiers left and right.”
Rescind! Rescind! Don’t let this thing begin!
Freedom of this kind affects a woman’s mind.
Rescind! Rescind! Don’t let this thing begin!
It will all “get out of hand” when they’re equal to the men!
Some fine words were spoken in behalf of equality
When senators prepared their talks not afraid of being free.
“There’s nothing wrong with amendment. I recommend vote, ‘aye.’
We can pass it once again. And I recommend we try.”
The people in the gallery were told to hold their cheers.
There were mostly women there in a variety of years.
To some, the thoughts of freedom were the thoughts of doom.
Others couldn’t believe their ears. The senators wouldn’t make room.
Rescind! Rescind! Don’t let this thing begin!
Freedom of this kind affects a woman’s mind.
Rescind! Rescind! Don’t let this thing begin!
It will all “get out of hand” when they’re equal to the men!
“Pass the buck,” it’s easier and more familiar to the ear.
Changes make life difficult and the whole thing gets unclear.
I guess it’s hard to hear the truth when you’ve got to get re-elected
And you’re so afraid to go against whatever is expected.
This world needs all the talent that we could ever find
To discover the solutions which give us peace of mind.
Somehow, we’ll muddle though it; somehow, we always do.
Women seeking freedom so the men can find theirs, too!
Alas! Alas! This too will pass.
It’s not “a Commie plot” to use the best you’ve got.
Alas! Alas! Someday, we’ll all be free.
If it’s good enough for the men folk, it’s good enough for me!