Songs of the Pro-Feminist Men’s Movement
Songs of NOMAS: For over 40 years NOMAS has supported cultural workers, through arts and media, as voices of the activist movement that NOMAS represents. Music and song have been an integral part of the NOMAS Men and Masculinity conference tradition. Below is a representative compilation of these songs and their attribution. Thank you to Peter Alsop for this compilation.
IT’S ONLY A WEE-WEE, SO WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?
As soon as you’re born grown-ups check where you pee
And then they decide just how you’re gonna be
Girls pink and quiet, boys noisy and blue
Seems like a dumb way to choose what you’ll do
Cho: It’s only a wee-wee, so what’s the big deal?
It’s only a wee-wee, so what’s all the fuss?
It’s only a wee-wee, and everyone’s got one
There’s better things to discuss!!
Now girls must use make-up, girls names and girls clothes
And boys must use sneakers, but not panty hose
The grown-ups will teach you the rules to their dance,
And if you get confused, they’ll say “Look in your pants!”
If I live to be nine, I won’t understand
Why grown-ups are totally obsessed with their glands
If I touch myself, … “Don’t you do that!” I’m told,
And they treat me like I might explode!
Grown-ups watch closely each move that we make
Boys must not cry, and girls must make cake
It’s all very formal, and I think it smells
Let’s all be abnormal and act like ourselves!!
Written & performed by Peter Alsop – from “Songs on Sex & Sexuality” ©1975-1997,Moose School Music (BMI)
MEN ARE GOOD
Men Are Good, Men Are Good
Though it seems that we are very often quite misunderstood
Men Are Good, We are not bad
So please let go of any misconceptions that you’ve had
Men Are Good! (3x)
Men are kind, Men are kind
We have gentle loving hearts and creative thinking minds
Men are kind, We are not mean
In spite of all the television images you’ve seen
Men are kind! (3x)
Men need rest, Men need rest,
We are brought up to believe we are disposable at best
Men need rest, We work too hard
And a day away from work does not mean working in the yard
Men need rest! (3x)
Men should play, Men should play,
Men should have a right to have a little fun with every day
Men should play, Well it’s okay
I hear God even took a break on the seventh day
Men should play! (3x)
Men are bright, Men are bright,
Solving problems every day we bring hope and we bring light
Men are bright, We are not dumb
If you see a man with troubles that does not mean he’s a bum
Men are bright! (3x)
Men love peace, Men love peace,
And we wish that all this crazy macho Rambo stuff would cease
Men love peace, Men hate war
And I’m here to tell you we will not be fighting anymore
Men love peace! (3x)
Men are great, Men are great,
Whether changing stinky diapers or employed as heads of state
Men are great, The world around
From Tokyo to Mozambique, in tiny Russian towns
Men are great! (3x)
Men Are Good, Men Are Good
Though it seems that we are very often quite misunderstood
Men Are Good, We are not bad
So please let go of any misconceptions that you’ve had
Men Are Good! (3x)
Written & performed by Joe Jencks – from “I Hear Your Voice” CD, Turtle Bear Music © 2001, 2003 Joe Jencks
YOU ARE MY SPOON
You are my spoon
In a life of forks and knives
You are a spoon
You are safe as you cradle me
In the curve of your heart
I know you’re not gonna hurt me or
Or poke me whenever you turn around
‘Cuz you’re a spoon
You are my spoon
In a world of forks and knives
You are a spoon
Most people can be nice
While holding a dangerous bite
They might be fun or exciting, but they can be a fright
When it comes to emotions and boundaries
Respect, understanding
And emotional health
They don’t have a clue, but not you
‘Cuz you’re a spoon
You are my spoon
And together we’ll reflect
The light of the moon
‘Cuz you’re a spoon
And I’m a spoon too.
Written & performed by Amy Fix – from “Spoon” ©2001 Amy Fix
LET THE WOMAN IN YOU COME THROUGH
You’re holding in cause you’re a man who never cries
I’m not as tough as you, my friend, but since you ask for my advice,
Let the woman in you come through
She’s trying to let you know she’s there
She colors everything you do
And the man in you gets scared.
You like to dance, I’ve seen you dance
When you thought no one was there
I’ve heard sorrow take your voice
While you laugh like you don’t care
It’s hard to hide your gentle side
It’s a lonely way to be
Take it from a friend who knows,
An old, old friend like me.
You’ll fight to prove that you’re a man
You’ll fight to prove you’re right
You work hard and play hard
And you stay up late at night
Working hard’s a way to hide
From the dumb things some folks say
But holding tenderness inside
Is only throwing it away.
So you tell me that I’m crazy
And I know you don’t like kids
Especially little sissies
Yeah, I know you never did,
But I’ve seen you with the tough ones
The ones the others all condemn
And you know that they’re the frightened ones
And you know cause you’re like them.
Let the woman in you come through
Be a different kind of brave
She’ll show you love’s the difference
Between a free man and a slave.
Written & performed by Peter Alsop – from “Songs on Sex & Sexuality” ©1975-1997,Moose School Music (BMI)
SHOULDER TO THE WHEEL
When I was a boy, I wanted to be older
But I didn’t know that higher up the air grows colder
My shoulder to the wheel, just like my father
And the wheel keeps a’turning and the work keeps getting harder
I’m up every morning, racing with the sun
For just my two hands there’s too much to be done
For everything I own, I’ve always had to borrow
I can’t die today Lord, the payment’s due tomorrow.
I’m only thirty-five but I feel I’m pushing ninety
I keep having nightmares, good God almighty
I dream they’ve laid me out, I’m six feet under, free
What’s that I hear, the boss is digging after me!
I’ve a wife at home, Lord I hardly know her
The years have made us strangers instead of growing closer
Nine babies crying, too many mouths to feed
I wish sometimes she’d turned away, when I had the need
When they lay me down, I’ll finally get some rest
A pillow for my head and a rose for my chest
Don’t let that preacher say too much on my grave
The ones who are still living are the ones who need to be saved
Repeat 1st verse.
Written & performed by Geof Morgan – from “Finally Letting It Go” 1982 Flying Fish #255., ©1981 Geof Morgan (BMI)
CHROMOSOMA PHOBIA
Inside everybody’s genes there is a set of chromosomes
That will determine all our fates to some degree
It inspires the philosophers and scientists
To argue over what make you be you and me be me
But of all the chromosomes, the one that makes the biggest noise
Is simply labeled with the English letter “Y”
Well, without it, you’re a woman and you’ve got an extra “X”
But if you’ve got it then you’re gonna be a guy
Now considering the permutations likely to appear
Within these intricate and complicated genes
It’s a wonder that we ponder on our gender
As we do with expectations of deciding what it means
How we labor to attribute such a myriad of issues
To the chromosome determining to our sex
Can it really be so crucial to our psyches and our futures
If instead of “Y” we have a double “X”
And when people love each other and decide to be together
How absurd it is for someone to imply
That the love is not legitimate
Unless one of the lovers has two “X’s” and the other has a “Y”
As the lovers struggle on to find a way to build a life
That they can share, it seems archaic and obscene
To suggest that they should call it off ’cause it could never work
Citing as evidence, the make-up of a gene
With so many hefty reasons for the gaps between our spirits
It seems backwards, contradictory and wrong
To oppose a way of living life that brings two people closer
When they feel that close is right where they belong
In this universe wherein we grew from nothings into somethings
On this planet where we try to make a home
Let us pause to recollect that we are more than what we’re made of
And a chromosome is just a chromosome
A chromosome is just a chromosome!
Written by Bob Blue, performed by Allan Arnaboldi, from “The Best of Bob Blue”CD, ©Bob Blue, 1992
YOU AIN’T BEEN DOIN’ NOTHIN’ IF THEY HAVEN’T CALLED YOU GAY!
One day in school a friend of mine sat all alone and cried
When I asked him what was wrong, he said his grandmother had died
He apologized for crying and I said that it’s okay
But when I put my arm around him, all the fellows called me gay!
Well, you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if they haven’t called you gay
If you show a sign of caring, then you know it’s what they’ll say
So you might as well ignore it, or decide that it’s okay
Cause you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if they haven’t called you gay!
One day I saw my uncles lookin’ at a magazine
There were naked women, whips and chains and things I’ve never seen
They said “Wha’chu think of this one boy?” I said “I think it’s sick!”
They said “Boy, y’must be gay, if you don’t wanna poke a chick!”
Well you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if they haven’t called you gay!
If you show a sense of decency, you know it’s what they’ll say
So you might as well ignore it, or decide that it’s okay
Cause you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if they haven’t called you gay!
And then I went to college and I studied modern dance
I went down to the gym with m’tights beneath my pants
As I was working out, some jock would whisper loud and clear,
“Bet the dancer loves this locker room for men, because he’s queer!”
Well you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if you ain’t been call a queer!
If you try out something new, well, y’know it’s what you’ll hear
So you might as well ignore it, or answer with a cheer,
Cause you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if you ain’t been call a queer!
I like to work with kids and help them grow-up strong and free
But when I became a day-care teacher, people said to me
“Can’t you make the boys be tough and make the girls be cute?
Can’t you get a real man’s job? Wha’sa matter? You a fruit?”
Well you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if you ain’t been called a fruit!
If you work for sex role freedom, well you know they’ll start to hoot
Just remember there’s a hurting kid inside each jeering brute
And you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if you ain’t been called a fruit!
I help out at a shelter that is full of battered wives
It’s a place that they can run to when they’re frightened for their lives
There’s some folks in our community who say it’s run by hags
They say we’re breaking up the families, and so we must be fags!
Well, you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if you ain’t been called a fag!
If you sympathize with victims, then they’ll say you dress in drag!
So you might as well ignore it, or treat it like a gag,
Cause you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if you ain’t been called a fag!
Well singing isn’t macho, as everybody knows
Unless it’s country western, or you’re wearing chain-link clothes
But if it’s folk or op’ra or a style they dunno,
You can bet you’re “yodel-e-hee” you’ll be called a “homo”
Well, you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if you ain’t been called a homo!
It’s been said about a lot of folks, from Brahms to Perry Como!
So you might as well ignore it, or use it for your promo!
Cause you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if you ain’t been called a homo!
Now, the White House starts its wars with people yellow, brown, and black
If they’re not red-white-and-blue, they must be red, so we attack!
And their faces turn all purple when I tell them what I think,
And the red-necks call me yellow, and the blue-bloods call me pink!
Well you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if they haven’t called you pink
If you say your party’s Green, y’know exactly what they’ll think
So just dress yourself in lavender, and give ’em all a wink
Cause you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if they haven’t called you pink!
Now I wonder why the things I do bring ridicule to me
From rigid, frightened people in a land that’s brave and free
As for me, to be a “real man” means give up fear and hate
To sing along, with arms around our brothers gay and straight!
That you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if they haven’t called you gay
If you work for gender justice, then you know it’s what they’ll say
So you might as well ignore it, or decide that it’s okay
Cause you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if they haven’t called you,
Diff’rent, pansy, friendly faggot, fairy, weird and wimp!
Sissy, strange and sick, and when they say your wrist is limp,
Just give’em a big smile, and let ’em hear you say
That you ain’t been doin’ nothin’ if they haven’t called you gay!
Written by Tedd Judd & Sandy Pliskin, Performed by Peter Alsop – Copyright 1985, Tedd Judd
Based on “You Ain’t Been Doin’ Nothin’ If You Ain’t Been Called A Red” by Eliot Kenin
BURNING TIMES
In the cool of the evening they used to gather
Neath the stars in the meadow circled near an old oak tree
At the times appointed by the seasons of the earth
And the phases of the moon
In the center stood a woman
Equal with the others and respected for her worth
One of the many we call the witches
The healers and the teachers of the wisdom of the earth
And the people grew through the knowledge she gave them
Herbs to heal their bodies, Spells to make their spirits whole
Can’t you hear them chanting healing incantations
Calling forth the wise ones, celebrating in dance in song
Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inana
There were those who came to power through domination
And they bonded in the worship of a dead man on a cross
They sought control of the common people
By demanding allegiance to the Church of Rome
And the Pope declared an Inquisition
It was a war against the women whose power they feared
In this Holocaust against the nature people
Nine million European women died
And the tale is told of those, who by the hundreds
Holding together, chose their death in the sea
While chanting the praises of the Mother Goddess
A refusal of betrayal, women were dying to be free.
Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inana
Now the Earth is a witch, and the men still burn her
Stripping her down with mining and the poisons of their war
Still to us, the Earth is a healer, a teacher, a mother
A weaver of a web of life that keeps us all alive
She gives us the vision to see through the chaos
She gives us the courage , it is our will to survive.
Isis, Astarte, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Inana
Written & performed by Charlie Murphy, Cello – Jami Seiber, Chant by Deena Metzger – from “Burning Times – Rumors of the Big Wave” CD , ©1981, Out Front Music (BMI)
I AIN’T AFRAID
I ain’t afraid of your Yahweh
I ain’t afraid of your Allah
I ain’t afraid of your Jesus
I’m afraid of what you do in the name of your God
I ain’t afraid of your churches
I ain’t afraid of your temples
I ain’t afraid of your praying
I’m afraid of what you do in the name of your God
Rise up to your higher power
Free up from fear, it will devour you
Watch out for the ego of the hour
The ones who say they know it
Are the ones who will impose it on you
Rise up, and find a higher story
Free up from the gods of war and glory
Watch out for the threats of purgatory
The spirit of the wind won’t make
A killing off of sin and satan
I ain’t afraid of your Bible
I ain’t afraid of your Torah
I ain’t afraid of your Koran
Don’t let the letter of your law, obscure the spirit of your love
It’s killing us!
I ain’t afraid of your money
I ain’t afraid of your culture
I ain’t afraid of your choices
I’m afraid of what you do in the name of your God
I ain’t afraid of your Sunday
I ain’t afraid of your Spirit
I ain’t afraid of your teachers
I’m afraid of what you do in the name of your God
I ain’t afraid of your Sabbath
I ain’t afraid of your borders
I ain’t afraid of your dances
I’m afraid of what you do in the name of your God
I ain’t afraid of your children
I ain’t afraid of your music
I ain’t afraid of your stories
I’m afraid of what you do in the name of your God
(Repeat verse one)
Written & performed by Holly Near, from “Edge” CD, Calico Tracks Music, ©2000 Hereford Music (ASCAP)
WHAT KIND OF BROTHER ARE YOU?
As you and I were walking down the street
I heard you talk your line
You said “Look at the rich chick, look at the fat chick
Hey don’t that hippy chick look fine”
What is it in your background
That makes you think that it’s okay
To talk about a woman that you’ve seen
In such a ruthless way
She’s somebody’s mother, she’s somebody’s daughter
She’s somebody’s lover, She’s somebody’s sister
And I’m saying mister, what kind of brother are you?
I know I haven’t mentioned this before
I guess I was afraid
To tell you how deeply offended I was
At the comments that you made
I know that you think everything’s a joke
Even after all these years
But if you take the time to look behind that pretty smile
Then you would see the tears
No I don’t think I’m perfect
And I’m not throwing stones your way
But I can’t ignore what you say anymore
So my silence stops today
I know that you’re a good man
So think about what you say and do
‘Cause that could be your mother, sister or lover
Being hurt by a good man like you
She is your mother, she is your daughter
She is your lover, she is your sister
So tell me, hey mister, what kind of brother are you?
Written & performed by Joe Jencks, from “What Kind Of Brother” CD Turtle Bear Music ©1999 Joe Jencks
FIVE MOMS AND THREE DADS
We all live in a big old house
8 adults, 6 kids and one pet mouse
2 dogs, 3 cats and a parakeet
We got a great big garden and we never eat meat
My room’s upstairs and down the hall
It’s the one with the crayons all over the wall
3 other kids share the room with me
We’re just one big crazy family
And I’ve got 5 moms and 3 dads
It may sound strange, but it ain’t so bad
When you get tired of one, you can go find another
It’s a whole lot better than one dad and mother.
It’s not as confusing as it might be
At least I know which mom and dad had me
But some of the adults wonder if it’s okay
To go on raising their kids this way
I keep saying everything’s just fine
‘Cause mostly we have a pretty good time
It’s hard to explain just what you missed
If you’ve never had a home like this
Where I’ve got (Chorus)
I suppose some day when I’m all grown up
They’ll take a survey to see if I’m screwed up
Asking all of us hippie kids
What we think of what our parents did
I’ll have to ask which parents they mean
I’ve got a whole lot more than most kids I’ve seen
And if we haven’t solved all the problems yet
At least we’ve come up with a whole new set!
‘Cause I’ve got (Chorus)
So come on by and visit us
We’re the house with the black VW bus
There’s a swing out front and a beat up car
And a beer sign from some western bar
Sunday is our potluck night
Whatever you can bring, it’ll be alright
There’ll be games and songs and food and jokes
I’ll introduce you to all my folks,
I’ve got (Chorus)
Written & performed by Tom Hunter ,from “You Gave Me This Song” Wednesday Hill Publishing (BMI) ©1982, Long Sleeve (BMI)
WOMB ENVY
When I was a youngster, playing house was all the rage
And I always played the mommy, and they all thought it was a stage
But as I grew older, still I wished to be a lady
Not so I could have a man, but so I could have a baby!
Womb envy, I know it’s kinda strange
Womb envy, but please let me explain
Womb envy, I know it’s kinda crazy
I got womb envy, I wanna have a baby.
Now I like my equipment, I wouldn’t trade it for the world
But I might trade it for nine months if I could only be a girl
I don’t wanna wear a dress or be somebody’s wife
I just wanna have a chance to feel the miracle of life
I’d do it naturally, no Playtex formulas for me
I’d study LaMaze and read Dr Spock, if I could just be blessed with pregnancy
Well maybe someday science will make it a reality
If it’s been in test tubes, then why not inside of me?
I’m every bit as loving and gentle as can be
Lord give me a chance to prove my maternity!
Written by Ron Romanovsky, sung by Paul Phillips, from “I Thought You’d Be Taller” Fresh Fruit Records, ©1984, Bodacious Music (ASCAP)
CURTAINS OF OLD JOE’S HOUSE
My Daddy made his livin’ in a little southern town
And after school was over I would help him make his rounds
He’d sit there in the pick-up truck while I wore out my shoes
But he’d always walk beside me when I went up to Old Joe’s
Jus’ like ev’ry other kid in town, I’d never seen his face
Though I used to leave his groceries on the backdoor of his place
An I knew somebody lived there, cause by morning they’d be gone
But the curtains of Old Joe’s house were always tightly drawn
They say that in his younger days he had loved another man
And when that small town started talking, his friend died by his own hand
There were whispers among the women, and hard talk among the men
But the curtains of Old Joe’s house were never pulled again
Now I could tell you where this happened, but I think you ought to know
That right there where you’re living, there are people like Old Joe
Cause each of us has secrets that we leave on backroom shelves
Keep ’em hidden from our neighbors, and often from ourselves
But ev’rybody’s got the right to be the way they are
If you’re not hurting someone else, then you’ve not gone too far
So before you start to criticize the lives that others lead
Take a good look in your mirror and be sure of what you see.
They say that in his younger days he had loved another man
And what went on between them, no one there could understand
There were whispers among the women, and hard talk among the men
But the curtains of Old Joe’s house were never drawn again,
Written & performed by Si Kahn, from “New Wood” Philo, ©1974, Joe Hill Music (ASCAP)
CLOSET
I’ve got the living in the closet ‘cause I’m from the Bible Belt
And my Daddy is a Bible-thumper blues
I’ve got the living in the closet ‘cause Pappa is a rabbi
And being gay is not good for the Jews
I’ve got the living in the closet ‘cause it would kill my mother
That’s how powerful I am
I’ve got the living in the closet ‘cause I’m in the military
And I can’t afford to piss off Uncle Sam
These are all such fine excuses,
Far be it from me
Let’s just say that you are gay
And living privately
I’ve got the living in the closet ‘cause I’m the famous actor
That all the straight women like to Cruise
I’ve got the living in the closet ‘cause I’m an actress and I don’t want to
Foster any rumors in the news.
It would ruin my career
And I wanna make more money
But you’ve got millions stashed away
So I don’t wanna hear it honey
I’ve got the living in the closet ‘cause my co-workers can’t tell
So I let them all believe that I am straight
I’ve got the living in the closet ‘cause I’m so afraid to try it
All I do is stay at home and masturbate
I’ve got the living in the closet ‘cause I’m from the tacky suburbs
And conformity it the American way
I’ve got the living in the closet blues
For everybody else’s sake
These are all such fine excuses
But I don’t really care
If you really care about social change
Then come out of that closet I dare you.
Written & performed by Amy Fix, from “Spoon” ©2001 Amy Fix
BUDDIES
As my lifeline runs through my fingers
And it snags on knots time to time
Just talkin’ to you, helps them slip through
A buddy like you’s hard to find.
Buddies like you never need to be told
What buddies like me need to say
Life has a flare when you’re standing there
And it’s hollow when you’re away.
Remember that night I was ready to die?
We shared your last Cuban cigar
I laid down in the highway, . . but no one drove by,
So you went to borrow a car!
Buddies like you never need to be told
What buddies like me need to say
Life has a flare when you’re standing there
And it’s hollow when you’re away.
I helped you etch all them lines in your face
And you helped me grow these grey hairs
If I make you sore, . . hell! What’re friends for?!
We’re buddies cause I know you care!
I like you better than corn-on-the-cob
More than the air that I breathe
You’re a mug of cold beer,
You’re a laugh, you’re a tear,
Buddy, you’re a god-damned relief!!
Buddies like you never need to be told
What buddies like me need to say
Life has a flare, when you’re standing there
And it’s hollow and empty, . . when you’re away.
Written & performed by Peter Alsop, from “Song On Sex & Sexuality”, ©1981, Moose School Music (BMI)
GOTTA LOTTA LIVIN’ TO DO
I’ve got a friend with AIDS, he’s just like me and you
I’ve got a friend with AIDS, we gotta lotta livin’ to do
Somedays we get sad, so here is what we do,
We play together as much as we can
And I love him a lot ’cause he’s my friend, yeah,
Me and my friend with AIDS, gotta lotta livin’ to do!
V1: What is AIDS? It’s a virus bug
What can you do? Well, I give’m a hug
You hug your friend? Sure, and he hugs me
But aren’t you scared? Well, I used to be
I’d be scared! You’d learn alot
What would I learn? What’s safe, what’s not
Could I get AIDS? That’s hard to do
But some kids have it Yes, that’s true
Where’s the AIDS? It’s in his blood
What if he bleeds? We patch him up
Cause AIDS won’t let his blood cells fight repeat
So I shouldn’t touch his blood? You’ve got that right!!
Cho: I’ve got a friend with AIDS, and someday he might die
But someday, so will you, and someday so will I
Somedays we get sad, so here is what we do,
(Instrumental break)
Me’n my friend with AIDS, we gotta lotta livin’ to do!
V2: What if he cries? We wipe his eyes
You touch his tears? There’s no need for fears
What about his ears? With a cotton swab
You clean his ears?! No! That’s his job!
What about his spit? He swallows it!
What about his hair? No virus there!
His breath is fine? Smells just like mine!
Does he feel ashamed? No, he’s not to blame!
Cho: I’ve got a friend with AIDS, and someday he might die
But someday, so will you, and someday so will I
I’ll tell you what I’m thinkin’ of, when we’re afraid, we just can’t love
And loving’s how I want to be, so I don’t let fear take over me!
Here’s what we can do,
We can play together as much as we can
And I love him a lot ’cause he’s my friend, yeah,
Me and my friend with AIDS, we gotta lotta livin’ to do,
Gotta lotta livin’, gotta lotta livin’, gotta lotta livin’ to do!
Written & performed by Peter Alsop & Willow Geer-Alsop, w. Ry Cooder on Slide Guitar, from “Pluggin’ Away”, © 1989, Moose School Music (BMI)
HOPELESSLY HETEROSEXUAL
I’m hopelessly, . . heterosexual, I guess I’m kinda slow
Mom and Dad were all I had, that’s the only way I know, . . so,
I’m hopelessly, . . heterosexual, I’m stuck with being straight
So man-to-man I’ll ask you, not to ask me for a date!
When I’m with you I’m happy
When you’re with me you’re gay
I love you like a brother
But not the other way!
Now I’m not scared to try it
But it’s not my cup of tea
I never even thought of it
Til you brought it up to me
And now that I consider it
I’d rather stay repressed
Cause I don’t feel excited at
The thought of you undressed!
I’m hopelessly heterosexual, you know I’m not a tease
I’m a product of society, so don’t be angry, please!
I’m hopelessly heterosexual, and I hate to be a bore
But I’d rather watch the Super Bowl, than sit here and explore!
I’m flattered that you asked me
But that’s the way things have to be
Cupid’s kinda stupid
He hit you and he missed me!
But since we’re on the subject
And you know where I stand
What exactly do you do?
I guess, . . use your hand?
I mean, do you, . . how does,
What if, . . where will? From behind!!
Oh well, I just, you know,
It was, (gulp!) . . NEVERMIND!!
I’m hopelessly, . . heterosexual, and I don’t mean to offend
So don’t hold it against me, and I’ll be your best friend, .
No, . . don’t hold it against me, and please be my best friend!!
Written & performed by Peter Alsop, from “Songs on Sex & Sexuality” ©1975-1997,Moose School Music (BMI)
GIVE YOURSELF A HAND
Give yourself a hand, give yourself a hand
You say it’s not your fault so it’s got to be your glands!
Give yourself a hand, give yourself a hand
Give us all a break and give yourself a hand!
You act like you’ve been, deserted on an island all alone for years
With no one there to scratch your back, or rub behind your ears
So you act like you’re in heat, drowning in testosterone
And every conversation takes on sexual overtones
And your fingers indiscreetly with no conscience of their own
Go creeping here and there, acting quite unchaperoned
Your starving, leering, lechy eyes pursue her ev’ry move,
Drooling, searching for her thighs or the bounce of her ba-zoom!
It’s so tedious, exhausting, unnecessary and,
Easily cured and remedied, this plague of modern man!! Just,
Chorus: (You say you’re at the mercy of your bodily demands!)
So you won the big election, but it’s not your macho crap,
It’s your work, not your erection that put you on the map!
You’re the Chairman, Captain, Chief; your title’s on your card,
Success once bought relief, but now that’s not the way things are!
Has your mother ever mentioned suff’ring gross indignities?
From big men with bent intentions, do you think that she’d be pleased?
C’mon and join the rest of us, we’re trying hard to change,
The selfish and injurious ways that we’ve been trained!
If you’re insecure or scared, you can ask me for support,
If you’re lonely we can talk, but if you’re horny, be a sport, and,
Chorus: (You say you’re only comfortable when you’re in command!)
This common health phenomenon some marriages has saved!
They don’t do “it” down in Washington, which is why they’re so depraved!
It’s fun and full of rhythm! You can play to beat the band!
So do yourself a favor! It’s something you will savor, yes!
Do yourself a favor and give yourself a hand!
Chorus: (You say you’ve no control when your private parts expand!)
We know that riding on the range makes a cowpoke real tough,
And seamy, smelly, strange and all that other manly stuff
Just like football, motorcycle grease, soldiers, guns and beer,
You’re out to prove that you’re okay, but boy, you’re acting weird!
Have you got a big obsession? Afraid that you might die?
If your sexual aggression won’t make some sweet young thing sigh,
And offer you her hips, and heart and mind and soul?
Do you have to have a power fix to make you feel whole?
No one else should have to suffer ’cause you happen to be strong,
Grow-up and be responsible for knowing right from wrong, and,
Chorus: (We will all applaud you when you try hard as you can!)
Give us all a break and we’ll give you a hand!!
Written & performed by Peter Alsop , from “Songs on Sex & Sexuality”, © 1985, Moose School Music (BMI)
FOOLISH NOTION
Why do we kill people who are killing people
To show that killing people is wrong
What a foolish notion
That war is called devotion
When the bravest warriors are the ones
That stand for peace
War toys are growing stronger
The problems stay the same
The young ones join the army
And general what’s-his-name
Is feeling full of pride
That the army will provide
But does he ask himself
Chorus
Death row is growing longer
The problems stay the same
The poor ones get thrown in prison
While warden what’s-his-name
Is feeling justified
But when will he be tried (when justice is denied)
For never asking
Chorus
Children are so tender
They will cross the earth if they think
They are saving a friend
They get drawn in by patriotic lies
Right before our eyes
They leave our home
And then they find out once they’re alone
They’re asking the age old question,
Why?
Written & performed by Holly Near, from “and still we sing”, Calico Tracks Music, ©1980, Hereford Music (ASCAP)
THE MATADOR
The Matador enters the ring
The hot desert sun is pouring down
Approaching the life he will take
He picks up his cape, he stands tall and proud
His passes are daring, the time it is nearing
His eyes hold the breath of the crowd
The thrust, the legs crumble, he throws up his hand
The shouts and the roses come down,
Hail the Matador, He’s our champion
He alone stands in the light
Hail the Matador, Hail the champion
He’s our hero tonight.
The front line is quiet, in a trench and alone
He waits and he watches the sky
The snap of a twig and he’s back in the war
Where he sweats and prays that he won’t die
He fixes his bayonet and watches the shadow
That’s soon to feel his cold reply
He jumps and it’s over, and one won’t grow older
In silence he stares at the sky
The baby is crying, the dinner is burning
He yells he wants another beer
She opens the oven but she can save nothing
She cries, “Just a minute dear”
But that’s not the answer tonight he can take from her
I’m the boss, is that clear?!
He pushes, she falls, too hard against the wall
But the crowd just stands up and cheers
Chorus
Written by Geof Morgan , performed by Charlie Murphy, from the “Walls To Roses: Songs of Changing Men” Record, Smithsonian Folkways Records, © 1980, Geof Morgan
IT’S MY PENIS
What’s that hangin’ down between my legs?
Looks like a sausage between two hard boiled eggs!
And sculptors usually got it covered with leaves
Now I wonder what it could be?
Oh! It’s my penis! My penis!
Y’see how much has truly come between us
It’s my penis, my penis!
Let’s start again, and this time be friends!
Some say you’re a symbol of power and hate
And some say you’re a weapon to dominate
But you don’t look that mean to me
When y’draw in the snow with my pee!
Now you don;t have to get it up like there’s a record to prove
Limp or erect, it still feels good
And all that guilt’s just a-holdin’ you down
It’s not a contest for cryin’ out loud!
Well we needed this talk, little penis-to-heart
We’re on the same body but so far apart
And even though I’m here a-talkin’ to you
Y’know we’re really one and not two!
Chorus
Written by Geof Morgan, performed by Peter Alsop, from “Songs on Sex & Sexuality”, ©1980, Geof Morgan
THE HUG
Dan Murrow is a mighty friendly man
Big and round like a bear
And he hugs his friends and his friends hug him
Anytime, anywhere
When his patients come for therapy
To drive their blues away
Sooner or later they feel alot better
Cause this is what he’d say
I want a hug when we say “Hello”
I want a hug when it’s time to go
I want a hug, ’cause I want you to know
That I’m awfully fond of you!
I want a hug, now if you please
I want a hug, I want to feel you squeeze
I want a hug, well it certainly seems
Like the natural thing to do!
Now when the head of the hospital heard about it
He got all annoyed
Because hugging is “sexual sublimation”
According to Dr. Freud!
You can beat ’em down, you can hide ’em away,
You can keep ’em quiet with drugs
You can strap ’em and zap ’em with electroshock
But you better not give ’em a hug!
So the boss said “Dan, clear out your desk!
Your conduct is lax and lewd,
Any deviation from standard medical
Practice can get us sued!”
Now Dan don’t feel so bad for himself
In fact, he’s kind of proud
But he’s sorry for the folks who are locked away
Where hugging ain’t allowed!
Chorus
Written & performed by Fred Small, from “Love’s Gonna Carry Us”, Aquifer Records 1981, ©1981 Pine Barrens Music (BMI)
MEN SUPPORTING MEN
We’ve all come together
To find another way
A road that leads much straighter
To a brighter day
Where we can be just who we are
To love and laugh and cry
But there’s only one way to make it
And it’s an uphill climb
Arm in arm, hand in hand
Walkin’ side by side
Tearin’ down the walls
To look in each other’s eyes
To find a place where it’s okay
For a different kind of friend
In a world we’ll build together
With men supporting men
We’ve felt the walls since we were born
That kept us all apart
But we’re here to share the doors
That we’ve discovered with our hearts
Well there’ve been times we’ve felt alone
The road is so unclear
But I can see a light
In ev’ry face that’s here!
Chorus
Men are taught competing
And survival of the fit
But a different world is coming
The torch is being lit
Free to give and share our strengths
With each woman and each man
Well we’re not there, but it’s not far
We can see it from where we stand
Chorus
Written & performed by Geof Morgan, Moose School, © 1980, Geof Morgan
SINGING FOR OUR LIVES
We are a gentle angry people
And we are singing, singing for our lives
Repeat
We are a land of many colors
And we are singing, singing for our lives
Repeat
We are gay and straight together
And we are singing, singing for our lives
Repeat
We are a peaceful, loving people
And we are singing, singing for our lives
Written and performed by Holly Near, from “and still we sing” Calico Tracks Music, ©1979, Hereford Music (ASCAP)
