Devil Woman--

She`s just a devil woman
with evil on her mind
Beware the devil woman
she`s gonna get you...

(1976 hit for Cliff Richard)

Lately I've been listening to all sorts of music. Well, I always listen to all sorts of music.

And just so you know, I'm that (former) girl who wins (won) things via the radio on a regular basis.

CDs, DVDs, casino packages, breakfast, tickets to concerts, a trip to New Orleans...How?

Usually it was my ability to know the artist, song, and year it was a hit faster than anyone else. There was no "cheating" involved. My secret was my "army brat" childhood and the ability to remember WHERE I was living, which gave me the "time" element quickly...

What was the point of telling you that? I have no idea.

I really wanted to talk about the "current" music I've had on repeat via iTunes. Specifically three songs that pre-date me, but I listen to backtobacktoback anyway:

"Witchy Woman" by The Eagles (1972)

"Evil Woman" by ELO (1975)

"Devil Woman" by Cliff Richard (1976)

It started as a joke by my boss. He played "Devil Woman" one day and told me the song was about me. Wow! Have you heard the lyrics? I'm damn powerful if it's "about" me. I'm gonna get you (from behind), even!

I took it all in stride, of course. Then I really started thinking about it, jumped on iTunes and downloaded the three aforementioned songs. In other words, "academic" Janet has a hard time separating herself from "regular" Janet.

I took a class last semester (outside of my major) because I needed a few more credits to finish my undergraduate degree. Women In Music seemed to be right up my alley and fit into my schedule nicely.

These three songs would've been perfect to examine for the final project. They span four years, during the turbulent 1970s--smack dab during the Second Wave of Feminism in the United States.

I've warped into a history lesson. (Somewhere out there one of my professors is smiling):

---The women's movement of the 1960s and 1970s was the largest social movement in the history of the United States. Its impact has been felt in every home, school, and business, in every form of entertainment and sport, in all aspects of personal and public life. Like a river overflowing its banks and seeking a new course, it permanently altered the American landscape.The “second-wave” US women's movement emerged in the late 1960s in two separate streams, with two distinct sets of roots.---

Woman + Knowledge = Witch (or) Woman + Power = Bitch

The biggest irony of this is the power given to the woman in each song. She's high flying and nothing by trouble (mainly sexual trouble, of course). But for all the power she possesses she is still disrespected politically (especially during the time of the songs, but even today).

But at least she makes a good song?

Honestly, I think the best way to go is to "flaunt" it...or "own" it...use, flip, and reverse it! A nice night out complete with howling at the moon is in order. As long as there is good music playing.

~~J