Music Monday: Delta Rae - "Hands Dirty"

I saw Delta Rae open for another act I was seeing a few years ago and I was instantly in love with their sound and their music. They're a pretty large ensemble of men and women. The two women take most of the lead vocals, but it rotates. Their rhythm section is insane, and they are incredible live. In the years since my discovery, my affection has only grown more.

Their latest single has a powerful message and could become a bit of an anthem for women and anyone else looking for a change this voting season.

The most poignant part of this video (for me) is the silent part, with all the women saying, "me too." So powerful. Because voices have been silenced for so long ... but hopefully those days are waning. Unfortunately, we know they're not over. But I have hope that there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Here are the song lyrics:

I could raise the crops from the earth
I could raise my children from birth
But when I'm looking for work
They say that job ain't for her
I could be a good mans wife
I could give a new child life
But when I fight for my rights
They say no woman, no cry

But I ain't giving up
I can't count on luck

I get my hands dirty
I show up so early
They show me no mercy
So I just keep working
Maybe God could save me
Or my boss might pay me
Right now no one serves me
Maybe their hands are dirty, dirty, dirty, dirty

I could lead impossible missions
I could occupy the highest position
But when I ask them to listen
They disregard my opinion
Well, I ain't askin' no more
I will command the floor
I'm breaking every glass ceiling
I'm building sky scraping buildings

When that next storm comes
I'll do what I've always done

I get my hands dirty
I show up so early
They show me no mercy
So I just keep working
Maybe God could save me
Or my boss might pay me
Am I so unworthy?
Or are their hands just dirty, dirty, dirty, dirty?

And I have seen the other side of the mountain
Where every queen will be afforded her throne
And I will stand beside my sisters
And all persistent resistors
They'll say I knew it would come true
And I'll say 'darling, me too'

I get my hands dirty
I show up so early
They show me no mercy
So I just keep working
Maybe God could save me
Or my boss might pay me
Am I so unworthy?
Or are their hands just dirty, dirty, dirty, dirty?