Sarah Wallin Huff – Trusty Hatpin
Check out Sarah Wallin Huff's fresh new classical music video Trusty Hatpin. Here's what Sarah Wallin Huff had to say when asked:
Where did you get your inspiration for this video?
"This track is a part of an in-progress opera about the history of “spirit murder”, or everyday street harassment. This particular scene takes place in New York City circa 1903, a time when women were just being allowed out onto public streets and taking jobs without a male escort. To guard against “mashers” who were simply afraid of seeing so many women outside the home, many women trusted their protection to their hatpins, a dangerous fashion accessory that was common in this time period. In this particular video, I wanted to connect to the source idea and at the same time honor the musicians who helped make this recording a reality."
More Details
Lyrics:
Our numbers are what scares ‘em,
The sheer numbers of young women on the street.
Without a male escort, we’re just lambs for the slaughter,
...unwitting red meat.
They’re just not used to seeing women outside, away from home, In the workplace, in the factories,
Living our life, as we see fit, all on our own.
Mashers, beware!
You speak words of endearment that are making my skin crawl.
But on this small, crowded streetcar, I’m no helpless prey.
When your hand goes a-wand’ring,
Don’t need no man to rescue me.
Get too close and I’ll punish your sin,
Thanks to my trusty hatpin.
We are here and we’re here to stay!
In my mother’s generation,
Showing ankle was risqué.
Keep her in the home, out of sight and locked away.
Public sites for cultured men, private spaces for all women.
But when cities rise and jobs expand,
Why can’t we take the jobs you won’t?
You don’t like to see us, thriving on our own,
Earning our keep without deferring to a man.
So you take it out on us when you see us on the street.
Mashers, beware!
You speak words of obsession that are making my skin crawl.
But on this small, crowded streetcar, I’m no helpless prey.
When your hand goes a-wand’ring,
Don’t need no man to rescue me.
Get too close and I’ll punish your sin,
Thanks to my trusty hatpin.
We are here and we’re here to stay!
My hatpin is a symbol of evolving social norms.
You’d better get used to women joining men as equals.
Pursuing an education, Working for a living, Ruling our lives,
Crossing the street.
Get too close and I’ll punish your sin,
Thanks to my trusty hatpin.
We are here and we’re here to stay!
We are here and we’re here to stay!
Find Sarah Wallin Huff's Music
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