The history and politics of the English protest song

1983

Brazen Hussies

Tune: I Wish I Was In Dixie
Lyrics: Unknown

One of the many songs to be written by the women in the peace camp (1981–2000) at RAF Greenham Common to protest at the siting of nuclear-capable weapons there. While the armaments were the focus of the protest, the campaign was for feminism. The song turns verbal abuse into a celebration of the cause: ‘We’re brazen hussies / And we don’t give a damn.’

Cause: Anti-militarist | Feminist
Theme: War and Peace | Rights | Identity
Addressed to: Women | Political Elite
Target of Protest: Elected Representatives | War
Proposal/Solution: Pacifism