McSorley’s

Song Meaning

Loudon Wainwright III's "McSorley's" isn't just a jaunty folk tune; it's a sly commentary on second-wave feminism and its potential pitfalls. The song centers on a protest outside McSorley's Old Ale House, a real-life New York City institution known (at the time) for its men-only policy. Wainwright paints a scene ripe with irony, where women activists are challenging this tradition as a matter of liberation. But the tone is far from celebratory. He's not simply championing the cause; he's observing it with a critical, almost satirical eye. The lyrics are deceptively simple. Wainwright acknowledges the broader context of the women's movement, referencing "the great movement that's sweeping the land." He lists examples of women breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields: "female golfers, dog catchers, and plumbers." This seemingly supportive litany builds to the punchline: "And recently the greatest victory / The honorees have made generals of two." The humor lies in the hyperbolic contrast between the mundane (golfers, plumbers) and the monumental (generals), suggesting a certain absurdity in the relentless pursuit of equality for equality's sake. The song meaning hinges on this subtle subversion of expectations. The most cutting lines come in the fifth verse: "Soon the women will be like the men / Then they won't have to cook or have babies / They can rooster, they won't have to hen." Here, Wainwright distills a complex issue into a few stark phrases. He suggests that the ultimate goal of this particular brand of feminism is to erase the differences between men and women, rather than celebrating female identity on its own terms. The desire to "rooster" rather than "hen" implies a rejection of traditional feminine roles, perhaps at the expense of something valuable. Ultimately, "McSorley's" is a witty, thought-provoking examination of gender roles and the complexities of social change, delivered with Wainwright's signature blend of folk and biting social commentary.