Goin’ To Boston

Song Meaning

Jean Ritchie's rendition of "Goin' To Boston" isn't just a folk tune; it's a wry, subtly subversive anthem of female agency disguised as a simple journey. The relentless repetition, almost hypnotic, underscores the determination of these women. At first listen, the lyrics suggest a straightforward trip, but the undercurrent of rebellion and collective action bubbles beneath the surface. This isn't a passive acceptance of fate; it's a deliberate, almost defiant, march toward a new horizon. The repeated "Early in the mornin'" creates a sense of urgency, a seizing of the day before societal constraints can fully take hold. The seemingly innocent question, "Won't we look pretty in the ballroom?" carries a double meaning. It's partly a reflection of the women's desire for recognition and perhaps upward mobility. But it's also a challenge to the established order, a declaration that they deserve to be seen and valued in spaces traditionally reserved for others. The lines "Out of the way, you'll get run over" and "Rights and lefts'll make it better" are not just instructions for a dance; they're metaphors for navigating a world that isn't necessarily built for them. They imply the need for both assertiveness and strategic maneuvering. And then there's the pointed "Johnny, Johnny, gonna tell your pappy." This verse injects a dose of playful defiance. It suggests a transgression, a breaking of rules, and a willingness to face the consequences, but on their own terms. The song’s true meaning resides not just in the individual lines, but in the collective momentum. "Goin' To Boston" becomes a symbol of breaking free from limitations, a communal act of self-discovery and empowerment cloaked in the guise of a simple trip to the city. It's a reminder that even the most traditional forms can carry within them the seeds of revolution.