Harper Valley P.T.A. Lyrics
Dolly Parton
Lyrics
I want to tell you all a story 'bout a harper valley widow wife
Who had a teenage daughter that attended harper valley junior high
Well her daughter came home one afternoon and didn't even stop to play
And she said, mama, I've got a note here from the harper valley pta
Well the note says mrs. johnson, you're wearing your dresses way too high
It's been reported you've been drinkin' and a runnin' round with men and goin' wild
Now we don't believe you ought to 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 boy, were they surprised as mrs. johnson wore her miniskirt into the room
And as she walked up to the blackboard I can still recall the word she had to say
She said I'd like to address this meeting of the harper valley pta
Now there's bobby taylor sittin' there and seven times he's asked me for a date
And mrs. taylor sure seems to use a lot of 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
Now mr. harper couldn't be here 'cause he's stayed too long in 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 as a mother you think that I ain't fit
Well this is just a little payton place and you're all harper valley hypocrits
Now I wouldn't put you on because it really did, it happened just this way
That day my mama socked it to the harper valley pta
That day my mama socked it to 'em at the harper valley pta
Song & Lyrics Facts
Harper Valley P.T.A., a song written by Tom T. Hall, was released in 1968 as part of Dolly Parton's album Just Because I'm A Woman.
It has become one of her signature songs and is considered an iconic country music classic. The single reached number 1 on the Billboard Country Singles chart in October 1968 and spent four weeks at the top spot. The lyrics tell the story of a widowed mother who receives criticism from members of the local Parent Teacher Association for wearing a mini-skirt to pick up her daughter from school. The song was nominated for two Grammy awards and featured backing vocals from The Jordanaires and Pete Drake. This classic country tune remains popular today with its empowering message about standing up for yourself.