The tune for this song is "Star of the County Down."
After three various songs, I had to lighten the mood, at least musically. But as with "The Other Thirteenth Amendment," the topic is a grim one: how even the best people can't be trusted with power. When John Adams' Federalist Party took power after Washington left office, Congress passed the Sedition Act, which criminalized a broad swath of criticism of the government. The irony is that Adams was one of the chief supporters of the Bill of Rights.
The title refers to the saying, "Free speech for me but not for thee."
Lyrics copyright 2022, Gary McGath.
I used to say that the U.S.A.
Should have freedom for everyone,
But I'm now the Prez, and today I sez
That the time for that stuff is done.
As you just saw, we have passed a law,
To insult me is now a crime.
I've turned out the lights on the Bill of Rights
For it's now past its useful time.
Refrain:
From Georgia's shore to Baltimore
And north to Boston Town,
My party's won and we'll have some fun
And put all sedition down.
I said no one can trust in any man
To endanger our liberty.
Now I'm showing you what I said is true,
Though you thought that you could trust me.
The fake news press causes me distress.
What they're saying is a sin.
So I'll get them back. The Sedition Act
Will make sure they're all reined in.
Refrain
I was, you see, the first V.P.
Under Washington I did serve.
When they did elect me, I thought respect
Was the least that I should deserve.
All should be free in their liberty
But should be guided by the wise,
And all who impel people to rebel
Should be punished for printing lies.
Refrain
You say to me it's hypocrisy,
For I spoke out against the king,
But it's not the same, it's a different game
When my party has grabbed the ring.
The time is dead when "Resist" I said
And approved rebellious speech.
For this year I will "Sedition!" cry
And obedience I will teach.
Refrain
@janeg Feb 2022
Quite a teaching song! History that I don’t know but lessons that stay only too relevant.
@ceilidh Feb 2022
Ack! Now I'm hearing Tevya belting out "SEDITION!" on the road from Anatyevka. I just can't believe the selective memory that could change the events to a slightly rowdy tour group...
@gmcgath Feb 2022
Or ... against both of them.
@wylddandelyon Feb 2022
It strikes me that, without names in the first half of the song, bits of this could be used in a political manner by people in either of the currently powerful political parties in our country about our current politics. I find that troubling. Ah, well, I guess if we don't teach history, we can't learn from it as a society.