Rebel Girl by Joe Hill

“Rebel Girl” was inspired by Joe Hill’s friend, Elizabeth Gurley-Flynn, who was a prominent speaker and leader in the Industrial Workers of the World. Hill wrote the song in 1915 while in prison in Salt Lake City, and hoped it would draw more women to the IWW. The original song is performed here by Alyeah Hansen at a park near downtown Salt Lake City. Today’s updated lyrics change the Rebel Girl’s role from supporting Rebel Boys to becoming a powerful force herself.   Original lyrics: There are women of many descriptions In this queer world, as everyone knows Some are living in beautiful mansions And are wearing the finest of clothes There are blue blooded queens and princesses Who have charms made of diamonds and pearl But the only and thoroughbred lady Is the Rebel Girl That’s the Rebel Girl, that’s the Rebel Girl To the working class she’s a precious pearl She brings courage, pride and joy To the fighting Rebel Boy We’ve had girls before, but we need some more In the Industrial Workers of the World For it’s great to fight for freedom With a Rebel Girl Yes, her hands may be hardened from labor And her dress may not be very fine But a heart in her bosom is beating That is true to her class and her kind And the grafters in terror are trembling When her spite and defiance she’ll hurl For the only and thoroughbred lady Is the Rebel Girl That’s the Rebel Girl, that’s the Rebel Girl To the working class she’s a precious pearl She brings courage, pride and joy To the fighting Rebel Boy We’ve had girls before, but we need some more In the Industrial Workers of the World For it’s great to fight for freedom With a Rebel Girl Updated lyrics, by Hazel Dickens: There are women of many descriptions In this cruel world, as everyone knows. Some are living in beautiful mansions, And are wearing the finest of clothes. There’s the blue blooded queen or the princess, Who have charms made of diamonds and pearls But the only and thoroughbred lady Is the Rebel Girl. CHORUS She’s a Rebel Girl, a Rebel Girl! She’s the working class, the strength of this world. From Maine to Georgia you’ll see Her fighting for you and for me. Yes, she’s there by your side with her courage and pride. She’s unequaled anywhere. And, I’m proud to fight for freedom With a Rebel Girl. Though her hands may be hardened from labor And her dress may not be very fine But a heart in her bosom is beating That is true to her class and her kind. And the bosses know that they can’t change her She’d die to defend the worker’s world. And the only and thoroughbred lady Is the Rebel Girl.