I’M NOT A BIRD IN A GILDED CAGE

[Tune:  “A Bird in a Gilded Cage”]

I’m not a bird in a gilded cage

with time to preen and feather,

I’m a sales girl with acreage

and men who think they’re my betters

who won’t sell bonnets off the floor

or corsets off the rack,

to even talk to customers

sets them all aback.

I’m not a bird in a gilded cage;

I earn my pay each day.

I know which clothes are quite the rage

and what working girls will pay.

The men say that I’m lucky

to sell clothing off the rack

instead of sewing on buckles

or working on my back.

I’m not a bird in a gilded cage

and offers have I plenty

but I say now because a page

will be turned in 1920.

I’ll not be stuck at the butter churn,

I’ll be a brigadier

then the men can take their turn

selling bloomers and brassieres.