Song picture
Have You Been to Jail for Justice?
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a great song to sing in the paddywagon!
folk pittsburgh labor union activist agitator environmentalist jail for justice
Artist picture
hellraiser and union maid Anne Feeney is the best labor singer in North America according to Utah Phillips.
Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Anne Feeney is the granddaughter of an intrepid mineworkers' organizer, who also used music to carry the message of solidarity to working people. After two decades of community activism and regional performances at rallies, Anne took her message on the road. Since 1991 Anne has traveled to the frontlines in 40 states, Canada, Mexico, Ireland and Sweden. Her anthem “Have You Been to Jail for Justice?” is being performed by Peter, Paul and Mary. Dubbed the "minister of culture" to the movements for economic and social justice and human rights, Anne is "the best labor singer in North America" according to Utah Phillips.
Song Info
Charts
Peak #81
Peak in subgenre #5
Author
Anne Feeney
Rights
Anne Feeney, BMI
Uploaded
April 14, 2004
Track Files
MP3
MP3 2.4 MB 128 kbps 0:00
Story behind the song
I wanted to dispel the myth that positive social change occurs through electoral politics. All the things we value in our society --- the right to organize, the 40 hour week, civil rights, suffrage for women, women's rights, the end to child labor --- were hard-won in the streets by people willing to put their bodies on the line for justice!
Lyrics
HAVE YOU BEEN TO JAIL FOR JUSTICE? © 1998 Anne Feeney (BMI) Was it Cesar Chavez? Maybe it was Dorothy Day Some will say Dr. King or Gandhi set them on their way No matter who your mentors are it's pretty plain to see That, if you've been to jail for justice, you're in good company Have you been to jail for justice? I want to shake your hand Cause sitting in and lyin' down are ways to take a stand Have you sung a song for freedom? or marched that picket line? Have you been to jail for justice? Oh, you're a friend of mine! You law abiding citizens, come listen to this song Laws were made by people, and people can be wrong Once unions were against the law, but slavery was fine Women were denied the vote and children worked the mine The more you study history the less you can deny it A rotten law stays on the books til folks like us defy it The law's supposed to serve us, and so are the police And when the system fails, it's up to us to speak our peace It takes eternal vigilance for justice to prevail So get courage from your convictions Let them haul you off to jail!
Song Likes
On 43 Playlists
Comments 2
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Mike Prather
Dec 20, 2012
Sounding great here .. enjoyed this.
Maria Daines
Jan 29, 2008
Top song Anne, absolutely thumbsup big time!!!