In the late '60s and early '70s, Baez came into her songwriting own, penning many songs (most notably "Diamonds & Rust," a nostalgic piece about her ill-fated romance with Bob Dylan, and "Sweet Sir Galahad," a song about sister Mimi Fariña's ( of Richard & Mimi Fariña fame) second marriage, and continued to meld her songcraft with topical issues. She was outspoken in her disapproval of the Vietnam war and later the CIA-backed coups in many Latin American countries.
She was also instrumental in the Civil Rights movement, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King on many occassions and being jailed for her beliefs. In 1963, her performance of "We Shall Overcome" at the Lincoln Memorial just prior to Dr. King's famous "I Have A Dream..." speech helped confirm the song as the Civil Rights anthem.
In December 1972, she traveled to Hanoi, North Vietnam, and was caught in that country's "Christmas Campaign," in which the U.S. bombed the city more times than any other during the entire war. While pregnant with her only son, Gabriel, she performed a handful of songs in the middle of the night on day one of the 1969 Woodstock festival. She is considered the "Queen of Folk" for being at the forefront of the 1960s folk revival and inspiring generations of female folksingers that followed. Over fifty years after she first began singing publicly in 1958, Joan Baez continues to tour, demonstrate in favor of human rights and nonviolence, and release albums for a world of devoted fans.
1959
Do Right Woman Do Right Man
Joan Baez Lyrics
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And nobody can make me do wrong
Take me for granted, leaving love unsure
Makes will power weak and temptation strong
A woman's only human
You should understand
She's not just a plaything
If you want a do-right-all-day woman
You've got to be a do-right-all-night man
They say that it's a man's world
Well you can improve that by me
And as long as we're together baby
Show some respect for me
A woman's only human
You should understand
She's not just a plaything
She's flesh and blood just like her man
If you want a do-right-all-day woman
You've got to be a do-right-all-night man
The lyrics to Joan Baez's song "Do Right Woman Do Right Man" play on the familiar theme of expectations within a relationship. The song encourages both men and women to understand that their partner is not just a plaything but is a human being with feelings, desires, and needs. Baez reasons that a woman who wants to be a good partner all day long needs a man who is equally committed to taking care of her needs.
The lyrics urge men to show respect for their partners and to strive to be a "do-right-all-night" man. The use of gender-specific pronouns throughout the song creates a sense of division between men and women, but ultimately, the message is about equality and mutual respect. Baez's soulful rendition gives the lyrics a powerful and impactful quality that resonates with anyone who has ever been in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Take me to heart and I'll always love you
If you trust me with your feelings, I will always reciprocate your love
And nobody can make me do wrong
No outside influences can make me betray your trust
Take me for granted, leaving love unsure
Neglecting our relationship will create doubt and insecurity
Makes will power weak and temptation strong
When you don't value me, it becomes easier to be tempted by other things
A woman's only human
Women are just as human as men and deserve equal respect and consideration
You should understand
It's important for you to comprehend and empathize with this fact
She's not just a plaything
Women are not objects to be toyed with or taken for granted
She's flesh and blood just like her man
Women are equal to men in terms of their humanity and worth
If you want a do-right-all-day woman
If you desire a partner who is loyal and dependable
You've got to be a do-right-all-night man
Then you must also be reliable and trustworthy, not just during the day, but also at night
They say that it's a man's world
Society often favors men and makes it harder for women to succeed
Well you can improve that by me
But you can make a difference by treating the women in your life with respect and equality
And as long as we're together baby
As long as we have a relationship
Show some respect for me
Treat me with the dignity and honor that I deserve as a human being and as your partner
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Chips Moman, Dan Penn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
JOHNNY BGOOD
Superb
Claudie Hebrard
Oui superbe ,