Ruby Solly: Precious are the Things (That Fly Without Wings) - VIDEO

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A setting of ‘Woman’s Sphere’ by Ada E. Ferris, a submission to the WCTU page of The Prohibitionist on 21 November 1891.

“Keep to your sphere,” said the liquor men,
“At home is a woman’s place.
Take care of your children, cook and sew,
And cherish your womanly grace.
These forward women who war on us
Disgrace themselves and their sex;
Plunging in filthy politics
The peace of the land they vex.”

Yes, home is the woman’s truest sphere.
Its spoiler her deadliest foe;
If a viper coil by your sleeping child,
Is the gentlest too mild for a blow?
Because you are womanly, tender and true,
And your home is your chosen sphere.
Fight, fight as for life! If you shrink or fail
You may lose all life holds dear.”

Performed by Ruby Solly, Ariana Tikao and Lee Stuart at New Zealand School of Music - Te Kōkī’s ‘Suffrage Songs Recomposed’ concert.

Filmed and edited by Chris Watson for the Resound Project (funded by NZ On Air). Audio recorded by Richard Caigou for New Zealand School of Music.

For a higher quality film of this performance, click here.