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"The Rebel Girl"
After meeting Elizabeth Gurley Flynn in the spring of 1915, Joe Hill composed a song in tribute to the women who served the Industrial Workers of the World.
Hill titled the music "The Rebel Girl" because he was inspired by Flynn's passionate commitment to the cause. "You was right there with me all the time," said Hill. An artist used Flynn as the model for the cover art on the sheet music when the song was published by the I.W.W.
Lyrics:
There are women of many descriptions
In this queer world, as everyone knows,
Some are living in beautiful mansions,
And are wearing the finest of clothes.
There are blue blooded queens and
Princesses, who have charms made of
Diamonds and pearl; but the only and
Thoroughbred lady is the Rebel Girl.
-Chorus-
That's the Rebel Girl, That's the Rebel Girl.
To the working class she's a
Precious pearl.
She brings Courage, Pride and Joy
To the fighting Rebel Boy
We've had girls before, but we
Need some more in the Industrial
Workers of the World. For it's
Great to fight for freedom
With a Rebel Girl
Yes, her hands may be harden'd from labor
And her dress may not be very fine;
But a heart in her bosom is beating
That is true to her class and kind.
Ans the grafters in terror are
Trembling when her spite and
Defiance she'll hurl. For the only and
Thoroughbred Lady is the Rebel Girl.
-Chorus-
That's the Rebel Girl, That's the Rebel Girl
To the working class she's a
Precious pearl
She brings Courage, Pride and Joy
To the fighting Rebel Boy
We've had girls before, but we
Need some more in the Industrial
Workers of the World. For it's
Great to fight for freedom
With a Rebel Girl
"Rebel Girl " was written by Joe Hill.
About the Program || Joe Hill Home || PBS Home
