Tim McMullen's "They Talk to God"

The brilliant comedian and satirist George Carlin died yesterday, and one of the bits they ran for his obit. paralleled the line in this song about the Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and Jews. Like minds...

"They Talk to God" is the song I sang to Randall Terry and his Operation Rescue acolytes on the LAPD bus for those arrested during the onslaught against Los Angeles abortion clinics in the late '80's. I was the only Pro-Choice activist arrested that day (wrongfully arrested, I might add), and my song shut down the "party" on the bus. A more complete version of that day is available in my book, "Tim McMullen: Aged Fifty Years...A Life in Song."

"The Voice for Choice" and "They Talk to God" were performed at a major Pro-Choice rally in Los Angeles in 1989.

One quick note about Randall Terry's hypocrisy—he told all of his followers to leave their wallets behind so that they could not be ID'd (I know this because as members of the group that had devoted ourselves to stopping his attacks on women's rights, we attended his pre-attack rally). Furthermore, they were instructed not to give their names; that way it would take much longer to process them (i.e., they would stay in jail longer.) Lo and behold, the instant that Randall Terry was arrested, he gave his name and showed his ID; I immediately pointed this out to his followers on the bus, and they were truly confused and worried by his actions. As a result of his "cooperating," he was let go hours before his poor, confused, terrified followers. Having sung them into silence, and having pointed out Terry's blatant hypocrisy, they had no doubt who I was and what side I was on; nevertheless, several of his young lieutenants who were arrested that day sheepishly asked me what would happen to them and what they should do. I found myself in the bizarre but necessarily humane position of counseling them and reassuring them. Though they had been gung ho hours earlier to trample on the rights of others, they were now truly terrified about what would happen to them personally as a consequence of their actions. If you don't believe me, just ask them!

For most followers, fanatacism fades swiftly in the face of personal consequences. Those who can foment such fanatacism while reaping the rewards (in both money and power—like Falwell and Robertson, Limbaugh and O'Reilly, Randall Terry and Operation Rescue and its off-shoots) generally do it from the sidelines. At least Terry actually puts his body where his mouth is, but as indicated above, he plays the game to suit himself, often leaving hordes of disenchanted followers in his wake.

The Greatest Threat to Democracy is Hypocrisy! Seek Truth! Speak Truth!
Tim McMullen

"They Talk To God"

They talk to God,
And He tells them kill strangers
They talk to God,
He says women serve men.
They talk to God,
Then point out the dangers
Of doing what you know is right
And not following them.

They talk to God,
Then invent inquisitions.
They talk to God,
Then burn women at the stake.
They talk to God,
Then offer conditions
No self-respecting, right-thinking
Fair-minded human could make.

They talk to God (in Ireland),
Then Protestants kill Catholics (& vice-versa);
They talk to God (in Europe),
Then Christians kill Jews;
They talk to God (in Israel),
Then Jews kill the Muslims;
And Muslims and Hindus and Christians
Kill anyone any old leader might choose.

Ah, but they talk to God,
Then treat women as children.
They talk to God,
Then treat women like slaves.
They talk to God,
Then close down health clinics
'Cause God told them,
"Women are cursed
And deserve early graves."

They talk to God
(like George Bush or Sad I'm Insane),
And He tells them kill strangers.
They talk to God (like Jerry Falwell),
He says women serve men.
They talk to God (like Operation Rescue),
Then point out the dangers
Of doing what you know is right
And not following them...

...Of doing what you know is right
And not following them...
But you've got to do what you know is right
And not follow them!




©1989 Tim McMullen ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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[stevevox1]

Hey thats a good song indeed, lyrics are superb and your vocal is very pleasing on the ear, 5's from me

[TimMcMullen]

Thanks very much for your kind comment. Obviously, the lyrics in my songs are very important to me; unfortunately, this voice is the only vehicle I have to impart them. I have no illusions about my voice as an instrument, but hopefully it is functional enough to serve the lyrics.

By the way, if you want to hear the voice as an instrument, listen to Steve's song, "Stay the NIght."

[journeyer58]

Mr. McMullen, this is one of the most meaningful songs that I have heard in many years. Your voice should be heard around this country. Please anyone who has heard this song, favourite it, share it on your social network and tell others about it. Only by sharing and being active regarding the latest assaults on women's rights can we stop this unethical and immoral assault on privacy and women's rights. I will shout it from the rooftops WOMEN are NOT SLAVES To MEN

[wolih]

I agree, the lyrics are very truthful and, though simple, very well written. I found the Sad I'm Insane part very hilarious, but as to not break the harmony in which I am writing this comment, I will not mimic with letters my laugh, I just read it. Awesome Tim, I've been watching some videos of your lecture, they are very funny and you have a very nice talent with strings.

[BenAliGtor]

Right on, Tim!

[BipedalHumanoid]

awesome

[neibotlai]

ahhhhh big shout out to pat Robertson lol, great lyrics brother...

[BY1NO1]

I agree! Totally AWESOME!

[bulbheadmyass]

Wow, this is an awesome song, Tim. And the story about you and Operation Rescue is wonderful.