"Zan, Zendegi, Azadi (Women. Life. Freedom)" Marsh Family adaptation of "Waltzing Matilda" for Iran
Incredible protests, sacrifices, and social movements are underway in Iran in recent weeks - pioneered by ordinary people (especialy women, students, and school children) in the face of brutal repression by the regime. We have followed these events with hope and horror since the death of #mahsaamini, and lately, in response to comments by Omid Djalili and Shaparak Khorsandi (about how hard it has been for the protests to reach international audiences and support), we wanted to do what we can in a small way to amplify the situation and mark the incredible courage and magnitude of what's going on. So we chose the song "Waltzing Matilda" with its bittersweet story of justice, violence, common lives, and a rousing chorus - in this case addressing the phrase "Women. Life. Freedom." that has evolved from its feminst roots into a slogan with universalist aspirations about enacting reform, enlarging freedom, and addressing injustice and misogyny. For details you can find a brilliant recent survey/explainer by Ros Atkins here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-m.... Mahsa Amini was the first of many hundreds of innocent victims. The Basijis are paramilitary militia responsible for internal policing and the crackdown on protests. ______________ LYRICS: Once a jolly woman visiting from Kurdistan Got taken up by Morality Police In Tehran they attacked and beat her till her body broke Died in a coma with her family Round spread the news – her name became a protest song Up jumped the women with such bravery And they sang, as they showed that - come what may - they’d take a stand Sing "Zan, Zendegi, Azadi" with me Mahsa Amini, Mahsa Amini Sing in support of the will to be free And they sang, as they showed that - come what may - they’d take a stand Sing "Zan, Zendegi, Azadi" with me Down came the strictures, blocking all the internet Up rose protestors – one, two, three Students, children, women – from Tabriz to Isfahan You’ll face the wrath of the vile Basijis Cut up by beatings, pepper spray, brutality Thousands attacked, or confined, or deceased But their ghosts may be heard if you raise up your voice in song Sing "Zan, Zendegi, Azadi" with me Mahsa Amini, Mahsa Amini Sing in support of the will to be free And their ghosts may be heard if you raise up your voice in song Sing "Zan, Zendegi, Azadi" with me WOMEN should live LIFE with FREEDOM not with cruelty Thanks to your efforts the world can see Faith’s not just a veil: it’s the choice to wear it willingly Sing in support of your daughters/sisters with me Mahsa Amini, Mahsa Amini Sing in support of the will to be free Faith’s not just a veil: it’s the choice to wear it willingly Sing "Zan, Zendegi, Azadi" with me ______________ Thanks as ever to the people who support our musical antics through Patreon (where you can see extras like out-takes and podcasts): / marshfamilysongs
