About the song
“Harper Valley PTA” stands as a watershed moment in country music history, catapulting Jeannie C. Riley to international fame with its release in 1968. Penned by the prolific songwriter Tom T. Hall, the song not only topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and U.S. Hot Country Singles charts but also earned Riley the distinction of being the first woman to achieve such a feat with the same song (albeit at different times). This groundbreaking success paved the way for future female artists like Dolly Parton, who would replicate Riley’s achievement years later.
The narrative of “Harper Valley PTA” unfolds with vivid storytelling prowess. It centers on Mrs. Johnson, a character whose daughter attends Harper Valley Junior High. The song begins with Mrs. Johnson receiving a note from the local PTA chastising her for alleged misconduct, including her attire and social habits. Unperturbed, Mrs. Johnson attends the PTA meeting unannounced, dressed provocatively, and proceeds to expose the hypocrisy and scandalous secrets of its members. This climactic confrontation, where she calls out the PTA’s double standards and moral failings, culminates with the memorable line, “the day my mama ‘socked it to’ the Harper Valley PTA.”
Hall’s inspiration for the song stemmed from a real-life incident in his childhood, adding a layer of authenticity to its narrative. Riley’s recording, produced by Jerry Kennedy, featured a notable dobro performance that underscored the song’s country roots while complementing its narrative intensity.
The impact of “Harper Valley PTA” transcended its musical success. It inspired a 1978 film and a short-lived television series in 1981, both starring Barbara Eden as Mrs. Johnson, further embedding the song into popular culture. Riley herself, after briefly distancing herself from the song during her gospel music phase, continued to perform it due to overwhelming fan demand, cementing its status as a timeless classic in her repertoire.
Beyond its initial success, “Harper Valley PTA” remains relevant for its commentary on societal norms and gender roles, resonating with audiences across generations. Its legacy includes numerous adaptations and translations, such as the Norwegian version “Fru Johnsen” and the Spanish cover “La Junta Harper de Moral,” attesting to its enduring global appeal and cultural significance.
In recognition of its enduring impact, “Harper Valley PTA” rightfully holds a place among the greatest country songs of all time, securing its spot in music history and the hearts of listeners worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
I wanna tell you all a story ’bout
A Harper Valley widowed wife
Who had a teenage daughter
Who attended Harper Valley Junior High
Well, her daughter came home one afternoon
And didn’t even stop to play
And she said, “mom, I got a note here from the Harper Valley PTA”
Well, the note said, “Mrs. Johnson
You’re wearin’ your dresses way too high
It’s reported you’ve been drinking
And a-running ’round with men and goin’ wild
And we don’t believe you oughta be a-bringin’ up
Your little girl this way”
And it was signed by the Secretary
Harper Valley PTA
Well, it happened that the PTA was gonna meet
That very afternoon
And they were sure surprised
When Mrs. Johnson wore her miniskirt into the room
And as she walked up to the blackboard
I can still recall the words she had to say
She said, “I’d like to address this meeting of the Harper Valley PTA
Well, there’s Bobby Taylor sittin’ there
And seven times he’s asked me for a date
And Mrs. Taylor sure seems to use a lotta ice
Whenever he’s away
And Mr. Baker can you tell us why
Your secretary had to leave this town?
And shouldn’t widow Jones be told to keep
Her window shades all pulled completely down
Well, Mr. Harper couldn’t be here
‘Cause he stayed too long at Kelly’s Bar again
And if you smell Shirley Thompson’s breath
You’ll find she’s had a little nip of gin
And then you have the nerve to tell me
You think that as the mother I’m not fit
Well, this is just a little Peyton Place
And you’re all Harper Valley hypocrites”
No, I wouldn’t put you on because it really did
It happened just this way
The day my mama socked it to the Harper Valley PTA
The day my mama socked it to the Harper Valley PTA