I wrote this song back in 2017 when we finally kicked out the Kiwi Tories. It's specifically about a certain minister in that government who came from a nominally working class background. They took all the benefits available to them as a solo parent - including study grants - and then, once in power, took away people's access to those same benefits. They also famously publicly revealed citizens' names who dared to object to their treatment of them. The phrase 'Zip It Sweetie' is a direct quote from them. They shouted it across the house to a junior Labour MP named Jacinda Ardern. Hence the title.
This former deputy PM now sells real estate, appears on game shows and runs a blog. I do kinda wish they'd just go away. In my opinion they represent everything that is wrong in NZ politics.
But this could as easily be leveled at any of the right wing leaders and prosperity Xtian types preaching division, disinformation, and hate. Some of these people seem to be pathologically disinclined to strong women in power. Sad and dangerous people.
Please vote for your kids, your grandkids, and this rock we live on in 2024 Aotearoa!
Darren Watson
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lyrics
NB. If you download this track for ZERO you will be asked to provide an email address. This will be added to The Watsonian Institute, a mailing list you will receive occasional email newsletters from. Feel free to unsubscribe.
Zip It Sweeite
words and music by Darren Watson
Had ‘em fooled for a long, long time
but now your goose is cooked
you treated people like they weren’t your kind
all around about you down-looked
there’s a special place for those
who treat people the way you do
you had ‘em fooled for a long, long time
but your kind is nothing new
and we say
Zip it sweetie
shut your mouth
your dreams of power have all gone south
and we the people have no doubt
say zip it sweetie shut your mouth
Lied your way to the nearly top
and then you pulled the ladder up
but we’re throwin’ a rope back down
because the people have spoke up
CHORUS
SOLO
Hope one day you realise
all the damage you have done
tryin’ a raise a banner high
for the power of the one
but there’s a special place for those
who treat people the way you do
you had ‘em fooled for a long, long time
but your kind is nothing new
CHORUS
credits
released September 6, 2022
Written by Darren Watson (C)2017 Control/APRA
Slide guitar, handclaps, shaker, tambourine, vocals - Darren Watson
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Darren Watson
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