.MP3 RECORDING: FOR WOMEN’S LIVES is one of Judy Gorman’s songs focused on women’s empowerment regarding reproductive choices originally circulated on the internet. “For Women’s Lives” was originally written for Judy’s performance at the 2004 March For Women’s Lives in Washington, DC, which was attended by 1.3 million people.

This particular recording of “For Women’s Lives” was made at the February 29, 2020 session of “The Concerts For Our Children’s Future,” a private salon series launched and produced by Richard Bashner just prior to the COVID pandemic. Judy was accompanied by a group of fellow musicians who decided to seize the moment and jam with her.

"Half the world’s people are women; 100% of the world’s people come from women. The success and security of all humanity is one – and should be one -- with the physical, emotional, economic, educational and reproductive rights of women. This song speaks to a basic issue that defines contemporary and future relationships: "For children to be safe they must be wanted. For women to be whole we must be free! … our history need not be our destiny!” Uniting people requires a clear understanding of who we are and who we want to be, yet our societies struggle with respecting and further empowering women. This song is one of my contributions to the struggle.”

FOR WOMEN’S LIVES (Lyrics)

For children to be safe they must be wanted.

For women to be whole we must be free.

There are women put in prisons and prisons put in women,

but our history need not be our destiny!

No, we won't back up! No! And we won't bow down!

We’re standing by the water, like that tree,

and ever moving like the water, so are we

here for women's lives -- for women to be free!

When will we be safe in our own bodies …

free to give birth when and if we choose?

Church and state may legislate, out of fear and out of hate,

but it's women, men and children who will lose!

No, we won't back up! No! And we won't bow down!

We’re standing by the water, like that tree,

and ever moving like the water, so are we

here for women's lives -- for women to be free!

Our destiny, our lives hang in the balance.

If we are not for women, who will be?

There are women put in prisons and prisons put in women,

but our history need not be our destiny!

Oh, no! We won't back up and we won't bow down!

We’re standing by the water, like that tree,

and ever moving like the water, so are we

here for women's lives -- for women to be free!