Lyrics

The Ballad Of Molly Ivins

Come gather ‘round people, I’ve a story to tell
‘Bout a woman from Texas who could raise some hell
She’d say go into your kitchen, grab a pot, grab a pan
And get out on the street and start a “raise a ruckus” band

Soup pot, stew pot, soufflé pan
Grab a wooden spoon and start a-stirring up a plan
First rule of holes: When you’re in one, stop diggin’!
Stop the war! Get in the street and start jiggin’

Shake it up! Come on people would you raise a little hell?
Shake it up! You know things are not going so well
If you don’t make a noise no one’s gonna hear a sound
We are the people who will turn this place around

She’d say, There’s somethin’ ‘bout politics I came to preach today
And I’m very, very serious about what I’m gonna say
Y’all need to have more fun and celebration
And to do it you just have to exercise imagination

Lord, Lord, let your laughter ring forth!
Deep down in the south! Way up in the north
Beloveds, be odd, outrageous freedom fighters
We are the people! We are the deciders

Loosen up! Have a good time and do it with style!
Loosen up! A little cre-a-tiv-it-y might make you smile
Fightin’ for freedom your work is never done
It’s a long hard road! Don’t you forget to have fun

When it’s looking dark and gloomy and you need a little cheer
Another crook or crony’s telling lies and spreadin’ fear
Hatch a clever joke and just be-devil the do-badders
Raise some hell! Raise some kick-ass kitchen clatter

Soup pot, stew pot, soufflé pan
Grab a wooden spoon and start a-stirring up a plan
I reckon that’s all, yours truly, Molly Ivins
Stop the war! Get in the street and start jivin’

© 2008 Sara Thomsen

This song was recorded in one session at Sacred Heart and includes Paula playing the fantastic percussion instrument of the cheese grater and egg whisk played like a güiro.