We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Trusty Hatpin

by Sarah Wallin Huff

supported by
habit0422
habit0422 thumbnail
Cindy Wallin
Cindy Wallin thumbnail
Bill Huff
Bill Huff thumbnail
Kay Pech
Kay Pech thumbnail
/

about

2023 GMA Bronze Medal Award Winner for the Composition category!

Song from the in-progress chamber opera, “A Most Common Curse”.

The scene takes place in the United States circa 1903, at a time when women were just beginning to populate the social areas previously reserved for men. To guard against “mashers” who were simply afraid of seeing so many women outside the home, many women trusted their protection to their hatpins, a dangerous fashion accessory that was common in this time period.

lyrics

Our numbers are what scares ‘em,
The sheer numbers of young women on the street.
Without a male escort, we’re just lambs for the slaughter,
...unwitting red meat.
They’re just not used to seeing women outside, away from home, In the workplace, in the factories,
Living our life, as we see fit, all on our own.
Mashers, beware!
You speak words of endearment that are making my skin crawl.
But on this small, crowded streetcar, I’m no helpless prey.
When your hand goes a-wand’ring,
Don’t need no man to rescue me.
Get too close and I’ll punish your sin,
Thanks to my trusty hatpin.
We are here and we’re here to stay!

In my mother’s generation,
Showing ankle was risqué.
Keep her in the home, out of sight and locked away.
Public sites for cultured men, private spaces for all women.
But when cities rise and jobs expand,
Why can’t we take the jobs you won’t?
You don’t like to see us, thriving on our own,
Earning our keep without deferring to a man.
So you take it out on us when you see us on the street.
Mashers, beware!
You speak words of obsession that are making my skin crawl.
But on this small, crowded streetcar, I’m no helpless prey.
When your hand goes a-wand’ring,
Don’t need no man to rescue me.
Get too close and I’ll punish your sin,
Thanks to my trusty hatpin.
We are here and we’re here to stay!

My hatpin is a symbol of evolving social norms.
You’d better get used to women joining men as equals.
Pursuing an education, Working for a living, Ruling our lives,
Crossing the street.

Get too close and I’ll punish your sin,
Thanks to my trusty hatpin.
We are here and we’re here to stay!
We are here and we’re here to stay!

credits

released February 21, 2023
Words & Music by Sarah Wallin Huff. Recorded in So. CA 2022-23.
Claire Fedoruk (soprano), Vanessa Alexis Gomez (mezzo-soprano), Sarah Wallin Huff (Alto/Electric Violin), Michael Jung (piano), Shannon Canchola (flute), Linda Silva (clarinet), Anne Sherrill (cello).

Many thanks to Backstage Supporter Cindy Wallin, who helped make this release possible!

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Sarah Wallin Huff image

Sarah Wallin Huff Upland, California

Violinist, violist, and 6-string electric violinist since 1990, and professional composer since 1993. Sarah’s work has been performed across the States and abroad, including the Exeter Phoenix Auditorium in Devon, England. Her music includes solo works, chamber ensembles, electronica, & orchestral/concert band pieces. ... more

contact / help

Contact Sarah Wallin Huff

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this track or account

Sarah Wallin Huff recommends:

If you like Sarah Wallin Huff, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring Riley Pinkerton (aka The Rat Queen) from the theatrical NYC rockers, Castle Rat.
listen now