“My Body My Choice” by Margaret Glaspy
Singer-Songwriter Pens Reproductive Rights Anthem
One of the shows I was looking forward to in April of 2020 was Margaret Glaspy’s Paradise Rock Club show slated for April 13th. I had been listening to her records non-stop leading up to this and for my old job at Do617, was given access for an interview for her 2020 record “Devotion” to promote the show.
Here is a quote about “Devotion” and you can read the whole interview for the phantom show here:
What other surprises can fans expect on Devotion?
There are a lot of new sonic experiences on this record, and I don't want to give anything away - It was really satisfying to have some new colors to paint with and make songs that I've never made before. You're in for more surprises!
I’m dying to see her play my favorite songs live! I’m sure it will happen soon. I missed her show supporting Spoon in April of this year at House of Blues.
Glaspy released a perfect song for the moment the other day and has started a fundraiser for The Brigid Alliance for reproductive health access. I both donated to the fundraiser and bought the song where I could.
“My Body My Choice” is out now. Listen here or watch the YouTube video. Total streaming numbers help artists out on the week of release, so please check it out!
Here is what she had to say about the song:
This song is a song of protest. Taking away resources from people who need abortions only leaves them with unsafe alternatives, and no one should be forced to experience that. It is absolutely necessary for any person who can give birth to consent to their own pregnancy. It feels absurd that we are still fighting this fight, but here we are. Because of the supreme court’s decision, minority women, majority women, transgender people, non binary people - of all backgrounds and walks of life are left even more vulnerable. This song is a reminder, if only for myself, of what our rights are and should be. It’s your body, so it should be your choice.
A portion of the proceeds from today’s single will go towards The Brigid Alliance, a referral-based service that provides travel, food, lodging, child care and other logistical support for people seeking abortions. You can also support The Brigid Alliance by donating to my fundraiser here:
The three-verse song has her usual adept wordplay, stripped-down solos and storytelling. I can’t help but be moved to tears as I hear her warble and voice cracking as I listen on repeat.
I pierce my ears and paint my nails,
I wear my hair down in two pigtails
I make all my money raising my voice
It’s my body so it’s my choice
My friend Jim felt like Jane
So she changed her clothes and her name
She starts hormones on Monday, so I’m watching her boys
It’s her body so it’s her choice
Go on girl
Sweet, sweet Laura is just 19
When she finds out she’s pregnant during school orientation
Radio silence from the father
Laura says I’m not ready for a son or a daughter
Oh sweet Laura rejoice
It’s your body so it’s your choice
It’s okay girlIt’s your body so it’s your choice
Margaret presents herself in the first verse as a feminine beauty — and she is quite pretty! I’m here to talk about the song (not her looks), but these 3 verses are three jabs to the hate in the world. The first verse is saying to me, “I’m a woman, I present myself as a woman, I have a voice, this is my life, my livelihood. People listen to me. They will listen to this song. No apologies”
The second verse supports transgender people. The deadname is not mentioned past the first line, and the pronouns are correct. I like the cute part where the songwriter is “watching her boys” so Jane can start hormones. It shows that it takes a village of support.
Now down to the 19 year old Laura…
At first, I thought this third verse was the weakest of them all…
…except that this is a protest song. A song worthy of Woody Guthrie, or as part of a poem to be read on stage in a black-box theatre under a single spotlight.
What I thought was the weakest of the three passages is the one that brings me to tears.. It cuts to my heart because it is simple and true and real. What makes me sad is thinking of a Black “Laura” not having access to this choice because she lives in a TRAP law state.
Make no mistake. This conservative bullshit court overturning Roe with stolen seats is an act of aggression against bodily autonomy. It is racist. This is a time to act and make voices heard at the ballot box and in the streets. Writing a substack post is at least me doing something. Because I don’t know what else to do. It’s not my place to share stories about women and their experiences with reproductive health, but I will say that if let’s say, one of my ex-partners didn’t have access to emergency contraception, their life and mine would be very different.
If I were in New York, I would go to this fundraiser.
Grab your tickets here:
In The News Today:
Some breaking news prompted me to send this post out before starting work today.
Bullies are being bullies and I won’t stand by and say nothing. Shinzo Abe’s assassination is a really shocking news story to wake up to. Linking to Fetterman’s funny Anti-Dr. Oz campaign news story below. Though I don’t live in Pennsylvania, I’m supporting this Senate candidate from afar. He’s a loudmouth that stands up to bullies and I will take more of those kids of politicians. Perhaps they can get us closer to common-sense gun laws. Roe must be codified into law. Assassinations and mass shootings need to stop.
Biden to sign abortion rights executive order amid pressure - Politico
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dies after being shot in Nara - Japan Times
Could John Fetterman Shitpost His Way to the Senate? - The Daily Beast
No shilling for subscriptions today, just reflections. Please donate to The Brigid Alliance or listen to the song and share it with those that need to hear it.