The Pill

This song was recorded in 1972 but held back by her record label because of the controversial subject matter, and not released until 1975 as a single and on her 1975 "Back to Country" album.

The subject matter (women's freedom to control their own reproduction through easily available contraception) was controversial at the time, particularly on country music. Many country stations refused to air the song. The song (like many of Lynn's songs) relates to her own life experience, having given birth to six children, 4 of them before the age of 20.

In an interview for Playgirl, Lynn recounted how she had been congratulated after the song's success by a number of rural physicians, telling her how "The Pill" had done more to highlight the availability of birth control in isolated, rural areas, than all the literature they'd released. This was a rare liberal stand on Lynn's part, who otherwise was a socially conservative Christian and tended to avoid overt sociopolitical stances in her music when she could.

You wined me and dined me when I was your girl
Promised if I'd be your wife you'd show me the world
But all I've seen of this old world is a bed and a doctor bill
I'm tearin' down your brooder house 'cause now I've got the pill
C F - C / - - - G / C  F - C / - - G C
All these years I've stayed at home while you had all your fun
And every year that's gone by another baby's come
There's a gonna be some changes made right here on nursery hill
You've set this chicken your last time 'cause now I've got the pill

(chords #2) This old maternity dress I've got is goin' in the garbage
The clothes I'm wearin' from now on won't take up so much yardage
Miniskirts, hot pants & a few little fancy frills
Yeah I'm makin' up for all those years since I've got the pill
G - F C / G  - F G / C F - C / - - G C
I'm tired of all your crowin' how you and your hens play
While holdin' a couple in my arms another's on the way
This chicken's done tore up her nest & I'm ready to make a deal
And ya can't afford to turn it down 'cause you know I've got the pill

(chords #2) This incubator is overused because you've kept it filled
The feelin' good comes easy now since I've got the pill
It's gettin' dark it's roostin' time, tonight's too good to be real
Oh, but daddy don't you worry none 'cause mama's got the pill

lyrics & music by: Don McHan / Loretta Lynn / T.D. Bayless
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