Oh, they say a girl's not modest
If she goes without her bodice,
But 'tis a fable bears but little truth.
'Tis a harbinger of death
What sucks out all our breath
In what ought to be the flower of our youth.

So, ladies, stoke the fire now,
And stand up for your rights.
We'll not be slaves to a fashion men desire.
Let the laces be untied
We'll not be satisfied
'Til our bodices are smoldering in the fire.

Now, working hard all day
Constrained by whalebone stays
Is not as simple as you men might think
Our movements are impaired,
Our bosoms heave for air,
And it greatly decreases how much we can drink.

Now, some may think it justified
To keep us stuffed inside
These sausage casings for to look our best,
But if you love me true,
You know what you must do;
You must help me get this injustice off my chest.

Background by Joni Minstrel: This was the first original protest song I wrote as Joni Minstrel, Village Protest Singer, for the Georgia Renaissance Festival. I performed it at Pub Sing, hoping it would go over all right, and it became the hit of the season! I was surprised and gratified that people liked the song so much. Six years and many original compositions later, "Burn the Bodice" is still Joni Minstrel's signature number and most requested song.

If there is anything I've missed, any information that you know to be incorrect, or if there is a song you've heard on the podcast that you would like to see included, please do not hesitate to contact me at lyrics@renaissancefestivalmusic.com.