Harper Valley PTA is a classic country song written by Tom T. Hall and released by Jeannie C. Riley in 1968. The song has become a classic and is still popular today. It tells the story of a single mother who is confronted by the Harper Valley Parent Teacher Association (PTA) over her daughter’s short skirt. The song quickly rose to the top of the charts and won a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group.
Overview of Harper Valley PTA Song
Harper Valley PTA is a story song about a single mother who clashes with the conservative values of the PTA in her small town. It was released by Jeannie C. Riley in 1968, and quickly rose to the top of the charts. The song has become a classic and is still popular today. It won a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group.
Full Lyrics of Harper Valley PTA Song
Verse 1:
I was mindin’ my own business, just a-walkin’ down the street
When I heard a mission bell, and I stopped to take a look
It was the Harper Valley PTA, with a mission to proclaim
They were gonna try to take away my little girl’s good name
Chorus:
Harper Valley PTA, Harper Valley PTA
You’re tryin’ to run my life, don’t think I’ll let you do it
Your double-standards and hypocrisy, have really got me down
You say I’m not fit to live in Harper Valley
But from what I hear, you ain’t fittin’ to live there, either
Verse 2:
I was elected president of the Harper Valley PTA
And all the parents thought I was a-doin’ fine
But the day I wore my jeans, to a meeting of the PTA
They said, “Jeannie C. Riley, you’re a-bringin’ shame to our community”
Chorus:
Harper Valley PTA, Harper Valley PTA
You’re tryin’ to run my life, don’t think I’ll let you do it
Your double-standards and hypocrisy, have really got me down
You say I’m not fit to live in Harper Valley
But from what I hear, you ain’t fittin’ to live there, either
Verse 3:
Now the whole town was a-buzzin’, when they heard the news I told
That I had a secret to reveal at the PTA
I stood up in front of the crowd, and I said, “I’m gonna tell
About the scandal of the Harper Valley PTA”
Chorus:
Harper Valley PTA, Harper Valley PTA
You’re tryin’ to run my life, don’t think I’ll let you do it
Your double-standards and hypocrisy, have really got me down
You say I’m not fit to live in Harper Valley
But from what I hear, you ain’t fittin’ to live there, either
Harper Valley PTA is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. It is a story of a single mother who stands up to the conservative values of the PTA in her small town. The song has become iconic and has won a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group. It is still popular today and is sure to be remembered for years to come.