About the song
“Harper Valley PTA” is more than just a catchy country tune; it’s a cultural phenomenon that took the world by storm in 1968. Written by Tom T. Hall and brought to life by the powerhouse vocals of Jeannie C. Riley, the song tells the story of a fiery single mother named Mrs. Johnson who clashes with the judgmental PTA of Harper Valley Junior High.
The song opens with Mrs. Johnson’s teenage daughter returning home with a scathing note from the PTA criticizing her mother’s attire and lifestyle. Unfazed, Mrs. Johnson confronts the PTA head-on, barging into their meeting dressed in a defiant miniskirt. She then proceeds to expose the hypocrisy of the PTA members, one by one, revealing their own hidden vices and double standards.
“Harper Valley PTA” struck a chord with audiences in 1968, a time of social change and questioning traditional values. The song resonated with women who felt judged and ostracized for not conforming to societal expectations. Mrs. Johnson became an icon of female empowerment, standing up for her right to live life on her own terms.
The song’s impact went beyond music. It referenced pop culture trends like the miniskirt and referenced the popular TV show “Peyton Place,” known for its portrayal of small-town secrets. The final line, referencing the then-trendy phrase “sock it to me,” cemented the song’s place in pop culture history.
“Harper Valley PTA” wasn’t just a hit; it was a sensation. Riley’s recording became the first song by a female artist to top both the Billboard Hot 100 and the U.S. Hot Country Singles charts. The song spawned a parody version, a movie, and even a short-lived television series.
While some found the song controversial, particularly in its depiction of double standards, it undeniably captured the zeitgeist of the era. “Harper Valley PTA” remains a timeless classic, a testament to the power of music to challenge societal norms and celebrate individuality.
Video
Lyrics
I wanna tell you all a story ’bout
A Harper Valley widowed wife
Who had a teenage daughter
Who attended Harper Valley Junior High
Well, her daughter came home one afternoon
And didn’t even stop to play
And she said, “mom, I got a note here from the Harper Valley PTA”
Well, the note said, “Mrs. Johnson
You’re wearin’ your dresses way too high
It’s reported you’ve been drinking
And a-running ’round with men and goin’ wild
And we don’t believe you oughta be a-bringin’ up
Your little girl this way”
And it was signed by the Secretary
Harper Valley PTA
Well, it happened that the PTA was gonna meet
That very afternoon
And they were sure surprised
When Mrs. Johnson wore her miniskirt into the room
And as she walked up to the blackboard
I can still recall the words she had to say
She said, “I’d like to address this meeting of the Harper Valley PTA
Well, there’s Bobby Taylor sittin’ there
And seven times he’s asked me for a date
And Mrs. Taylor sure seems to use a lotta ice
Whenever he’s away
And Mr. Baker can you tell us why
Your secretary had to leave this town?
And shouldn’t widow Jones be told to keep
Her window shades all pulled completely down
Well, Mr. Harper couldn’t be here
‘Cause he stayed too long at Kelly’s Bar again
And if you smell Shirley Thompson’s breath
You’ll find she’s had a little nip of gin
And then you have the nerve to tell me
You think that as the mother I’m not fit
Well, this is just a little Peyton Place
And you’re all Harper Valley hypocrites”
No, I wouldn’t put you on because it really did
It happened just this way
The day my mama socked it to the Harper Valley PTA
The day my mama socked it to the Harper Valley PTA