Sunday Music – Glynis Johns – Sister Suffragette

We were sorry to hear of the death of the wonderful actress Glynis Johns, who was 100 years old.

She sang a song called Sister Suffragette in Mary Poppins in 1964 before the second wave of Feminism started. Some progress has been made with hopes expressed in this song but there is still a long way to go.

Nonetheless, let us be grateful for this song’s contribution to keeping alive the flame of Women’s claims for Equality of Opportunity with men.

RIP Glynis Johns

Lyrics:

We’re clearly soldiers in petticoatsAnd dauntless crusaders for woman’s votesThough we adore men individuallyWe agree that as a group they’re rather stupid!

Cast off the shackles of yesterday!Shoulder to shoulder into the fray!Our daughters’ daughters will adore usAnd they’ll sing in grateful chorus“Well done, Sister Suffragette!”

From Kensington to BillingsgateOne hears the restless cries!From ev’ry corner of the land:“Womankind, arise!”Political equality and equal rights with men!Take heart! For Missus Pankhurst has been clapped in irons again!

No more the meek and mild subservients we!We’re fighting for our rights, militantly!Never you fear!

So, cast off the shackles of yesterday!Shoulder to shoulder into the fray!Our daughters’ daughters will adore usAnd they’ll sing in grateful chorus“Well done! Well done!Well done Sister Suffragette!”