Women's mass civil disobedience action at the truck gate of the Seneca Army Depot, August 1, 1983. Filmed by WEFPJ Women's Video Collective.
Smash the System
from Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp - Author(s) unknown
PeHP source: Average Dyke Band* songsheets, 1985; Peace Camps Sing
cassette 1987.
Version of Smash the System recording during PeHP GatherSing, 2008.
* The Average Dyke Band (ADB) sprang up from women living at the Peace Camp in the summer of 1985. The theory we put into action was that songs, singing and musical instrumentation were not the domain of an exclusive, talented few. We had found that far too many women fell silent musically because somewhere along the way they were told they didn't have a good voice, couldn't carry a tune, couldn't keep a beat. The ADB, then, was the musical counterpart to the Camp's consensus process philosophy and practice - every woman's voice would be heard. We were inclusive, we were average, and we had a damn good time.
from Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp - Author(s) unknown
PeHP source: Average Dyke Band* songsheets, 1985; Peace Camps Sing
cassette 1987.
* The Average Dyke Band (ADB) sprang up from women living at the Peace Camp in the summer of 1985. The theory we put into action was that songs, singing and musical instrumentation were not the domain of an exclusive, talented few. We had found that far too many women fell silent musically because somewhere along the way they were told they didn't have a good voice, couldn't carry a tune, couldn't keep a beat. The ADB, then, was the musical counterpart to the Camp's consensus process philosophy and practice - every woman's voice would be heard. We were inclusive, we were average, and we had a damn good time.
This song carries me through the too many times this country does something stupid. Reminds me that i am not powerless, though it feels that way at times.
ReplyDeleteThough I was not at the camp the summer this song was song, it resonates so deeply. During 1985, I was in Europe visiting peace camps in the countries where the Cruise and Pershing II missiles were being deployed. Thanks for a song that keeps inspiring!
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