HOW WOMAN GOT EVEN WITH MAN
(by Jerry Praver circa 1980)

1. In Eden’s garden they did dwell, the woman and the man,
Each one equal in their strength according to God’s plan;
But man got restless discontent, said God give me a boost
He said give to me more strength than she so I can rule the roost.

2. Said God to man I’ll grant your wish, you’ve got more strength than she,
So man went home and trashed his wife to show supremacy;
Now woman was unhappy and God she did entreat
Give to me more strength than he so man I can defeat.

3. But God said No for what I’ve changed I cannot restore,
No matter how much strength you have man will still have more;
Now woman was indignant and she instantly withdrew
Then down she strode to the devil’s abode and asked him what to do.

4. When you talked to God did you observe that keyring by his throne?
Well you go back and tell him that you want it for your own;
When you get those keys just bring ‘em back and I’ll tell you what they’re for,
So off she went that woman meant to even up the score.

5. She got those keys and brought ‘em back and Satan says there’s three,
For kitchen and the bedroom and for the nursery;
Now you go home and lock those doors and see how man reacts,
He’ll be upset but don’t you fret - explain to him the facts.

6. You’re cut off from the kitchen and your cut off from the bed,
You’re cut off from your children, just get that through your head;
Woman where’d you get those keys, who told you what they’re for?
God gave me these but if you please the devil gave me more.

7. Well, man still brags about his strength all day and half the night,
His exploits and his conquests he’ll endlessly recite;
But woman with the devil’s help has got the upper hand,
And since that day she’s had her way, just like God had planned.



This song is based on a black folk tale collected in Eatonville, Florida by Zora Neale Hurston. It was published in her book “Mules and Men” (Lippincot, 1935) under the title “Why Women Always Take Advantage of Men”

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