A Secretary Is Not a Toy
Michael Park Mary Faber Executives & Secretaries Lyrics
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A secretary is not a toy,
No my boy;
Not a toy to fondle and dandle
And playfully handle
In search of some puerile joy.
No, a secretary is not,
You′re absolutely right, Mr. Bratt!
We wouldn't have any other way, Mr. Bratt!
It′s a company rule, Mr. Bratt!
A secretary is not a toy,
No my boy,
Not a toy.
So do not go jumping for joy,
Boy! A secretary is not...
A secretary is not,
A secretary is not ...a toy,
A secretary is not to be
Used for play therapy.
Be good to the girl you employ, boy;
Remember, no matter what
Neurotic trouble you've got,
A secretary is not ...a toy.
She's a highly specialized key
Component of operation unity...
A fine and sensitive mechanism
To serve the office community
With a mother at home
She supports.
And you′ll find nothing like her at F.A.O. Schwartz!
A secretary is not a pet,
Nor an erector set.
It happened to Charlie McCoy, boy!
They fired him a shot
The day the fellow forgot
A secretary is not... A toy!
A secretary is not... A toy!
And when you put it to use,
Observe,
When you put her to use:
That you don′t find the name Lionel
On her caboose!
A secretary is not a thing
One buy key, hold by string
Her pad...
Is to write in,
And not spend the night in
If that's what you plan to enjoy.
No!
The secretary you got,
Is definitely not
Employed to do a gavotte,
Or you know what,
Before you jump for joy,
Remember this my boy,
A secretary is not,
A tinker toy!
The song "A Secretary is Not a Toy" is a playful yet pointed number from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and is often cited as an early feminist anthem. The song tackles the issue of office sexism and highlights the idea that women in the workforce deserve respect and recognition. The song is presented in the context of a boardroom meeting and is sung by executives to a newly appointed male employee to make him aware of the fact that a secretary is not an object to be taken lightly.
The song's lyrics talk about treating secretaries with respect and not objectifying them as if they are toys. The lyrics also highlight the fact that a secretary is a highly skilled professional who is integral to the functioning of the office. The song presents the message that secretaries should not be treated as mere assistants whose sole purpose is to serve the whims of their superiors. Instead, they should be treated with the same respect and dignity as any other employee in the office.
Overall, "A Secretary Is Not a Toy" is a fun yet powerful song that highlights the importance of respecting women in the workplace. It shows the need to recognize the skills, education, and experience of women who occupy secretarial positions and highlights that they are not objects to be toyed with or taken for granted.
Line by Line Meaning
A secretary is not a toy,
A woman hired to work in an office is not an object that can be played with or treated as amusement.
No my boy;
Absolutely not.
Not a toy to fondle and dandle
Do not touch her inappropriately or in ways that indicate a lack of respect for her personal space or body.
And playfully handle
Do not treat her like a child's plaything or doll.
In search of some puerile joy.
Don't expect to derive pleasure from treating her as if she exists for your entertainment.
No, a secretary is not,
Absolutely not.
Definitely not a toy.
Possibly the most important thing to remember is that she is not a toy but rather an employee who deserves respect for her work.
A secretary is not to be
It is not appropriate to use her for purposes beyond her skills and job description.
Used for play therapy.
She is not an object that can be used to manage stress, or as a diversion from the responsibilities of one's work.
Remember, no matter what
Whatever you are experiencing, do not treat her poorly, disrespectfully, or use her as an outlet for your issues.
Neurotic trouble you've got,
If you have psychological disturbances, do not take them out on her.
She's a highly specialized key
The secretary is a skilled office professional.
Component of operation unity...
Her contribution to the success of an organization is vital.
A fine and sensitive mechanism
She is a valuable and sensitive worker who is able to do her job well if treated appropriately.
To serve the office community
She is an essential member of the team who is dedicated to her work and is there to help facilitate a better workplace life for everyone.
With a mother at home
She is a person who has her own life outside of work, with her own family.
She supports.
She is valued for her contribution.
A secretary is not a pet,
She is not an object to be kept as a personal pet or a plaything.
Nor an erector set.
Nor is she a set of toys like an erector set made to be put together in different ways.
They fired him a shot
Charlie McCoy was fired swiftly when he violated the rules spelled out here.
The day the fellow forgot
Once again, if one forgets the guidelines, it will not go well.
When you put her to use:
When you utilize her in your work at the company:
That you don't find the name Lionel On her caboose!
Her career at the company is not one that should involve you adding your own modifications or 'upgrades' to what she does or how she operates.
A secretary is not a thing
It is essential to remember that this is an individual with a role at the company and a life outside of it.
One buy key, hold by string
You cannot buy her or own her, she is not anyone's possession.
Her pad...
Her workspace
Is to write in,
It is intended for her to complete work tasks in, not for any other illicit activity or recreational pursuits.
And not spend the night in
It is not the sort of place where one is meant to lounge or stay overnight.
If that's what you plan to enjoy.
There should be no expectation of anything beyond a professional working relationship.
Remember this my boy,
Once again be sure to remember, young man:
A secretary is not,
This is not a person to be treated as:
A tinker toy!
An object to be played with and discarded or abused.
Writer(s): Frank Loesser
Contributed by Landon A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.