A Twentieth Century American History Songbook
By Michael R. Palumbo
Welcome to this Internet-only published book with a song titled, “Sing Me a Song with Social Significance.” This song reflects the theme of this work: songs that deal with actual historical events rather than “moon, June, swoon” songs. The song is part of “Pins and Needles,” a stage show revue that premiered on Broadway on November 27, 1937. Music and lyrics were by Harold Rome. The play was written, sponsored and performed by the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, which held union meetings at the Princess Theatre in New York City. Here are the lyrics:
I’m tired of moon songs of star and of June songs,
They simply make me nap
And ditties romantic drive me nearly frantic
I think they’re all full of papHistory’s making, nations are quaking
Why sing of stars above
For while we are waiting father time’s creating
New things to be singing ofSing me a song with social significance
All other tunes are taboo
I want a ditty with heat in it,
Appealing with feeling and meat in it!Sing me a song with social significance
Or you can sing ’til you’re blue
Let meaning shine from ev’ry line
Or I won’t love youSing me of wars and sing me of breadlines
Tell me of front page news
Sing me of strikes and last minute headlines
Dress your observation in syncopation!Sing me a song with social significance
There’s nothing else that will do
It must get hot with what is what
Or I won’t love you.I want a song that’s satirical
And putting the mere into miracle
It must be packed with social fact
or I won’t love youSing me of kings and conferences martial
Tell me of mills and mines
Sing me of courts that aren’t impartial
What’s to be done with ’em tell me in rhythmSing me a song with social significance
there’s nothing else that will do
It must be tense with common sense
or I won’t love you.
As you’ll find on the Internet in the link provided, this particular version of the song is sung by Rose Marie Jun, from the 1962 revival cast of “Pins and Needles.” https://youtu.be/nzgD2QvOdlk