This is an edited PermaThread®, used for a special project - collecting the songs of Holly Tannen. This thread will be moderated. Feel free to post to this thread, but remember that all messages posted here are subject to editing or deletion. Editors of this thread are Joe Offer and Holly Tannen.
-Joe Offer-

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I feel like sharing some of the best I've heard from the San Francisco Folk Music Club. Here's Holly Tannen, singing her "Ancient Matriarch":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyXoQstLaSw

That's my friend Amelia Hogan singing with her.

RIME OF THE ANCIENT MATRIARCH
(Holly Tannen)

I was born in Turkey thirty thousand years ago
I taught the women and the men the things that they should know
The patriarchs invaded and I was forced to roam
I am an ancient matriarch, a long way from my home

So I escaped to Brittany, way up in Northern France
I met some Gauls with hairy balls, who thought they wore the pants
Until I had them brought to me, inside my pleasure dome
I am an ancient matriarch, a long way from my home

Across the Channel I was called to help the Celts carouse
Where fungi flourished on the crops and droppings of the cows
In jest I said, "Ingest these things"
And thus the Henge was stoned
I am an ancient matriarch, a long way from my home

'Tis then across the Irish sea I boldly made my way
Where I was worshipped as a queen on each St Brigid's Day
Invading Brits disdained my tits and threw me from my throne
I am an ancient matriarch, a long way from my home

Amongst the Appalachians I then did take my stand
Likewise in Nova Scotia and up in Newfoundland
In New Orleans, them Voodoo queens embraced me as their own
I am an ancient matriarch, a long way from my home

It's now in California this matriarch belongs
Where paunchy bards in Star Trek garb sing ersatz gaelic songs
Though madam Pele calls me I shall no longer roam
I am an ancient matriarch, a long way from my home