Raging Grannies

Are you Raging Granny material? Willing to don a shawl, flowered dress, and apron? You definitely are if you are ready to sing in front of a crowd, inspiring others to stare down fascism.

By Martha Merson

See a group of sweet little old ladies? Look out! The Raging Grannies are performing their political satire around the US and beyond. The Grannies are an international movement who sing to make a point.

Sung to the tune of “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone”

Ain’t no sun-shine since Trump’s here.
On-ly dark-ness ev‘-ry day.
Ain’t no sun-shine since he’s here
and it fills our hearts with fear
that he’s plan-nin’ a long stay.

The Grannies’ have hundreds of song parodies, including: “My Country, Tears For Thee.” “The Lion Stirs Tonight,” and “Kick Out The Clowns.” The non-violent social justice group formed in 1987 in Victoria, Canada, when older women who felt sidelined in the peace movement formed their own protest group.

Today, in our moment of chaotic, illegal, and immoral governance, Raging Granny chapters, or “gaggles,” are helping members find a way to channel their frustration.

In North Carolina, for instance, the Piedmont Raging Grannies, inspired by the Triangle Raging Grannies of Raleigh-Durham, formed in 2023. Like its Granny sisters, the Piedmont Grannies strike notes both serious and humorous. Their costumes are whimsical, but for singers who have joined the cause, the laughter and clever lyrics are giving voice to genuine concern.

The Grannies’ songs raise awareness of all that is at stake. And their biting wit resonates with fans. Grannies’ social media is racking up views. Their most popular song video, “Things That Go Trump In The Night”, has more than 2.5 million views online.

Sung to the tune of “My Favorite Things”

Robbing from health care and from education
Neglecting the sick and the poor of our nation
Firing reporters who get the news right
These are some things that go TRUMP in the night!

“Would we like to be doing other things with our time in our later years?” one Granny asked. “Yes — but this is now our calling and we have found community with each other, and are honored to be able to be a part of other communities working towards true freedom and justice in our society.”

“I’ve never been an activist,” says Granny JJ of the Piedmont chapter. “I built a career as an engineer—in spaces where women were expected to sit down and stay quiet. I didn’t. I stood up. And now, in this moment in America, I find myself doing it again. Through decades in the engineering world, I’ve fought for fairness, respect, and equality. I know how easily those things can be dismissed.”

Joining the Raging Grannies, JJ added, is about protecting voices that so many are trying to silence.

Our hats and aprons intentionally attract attention, but it’s the message we deliver through humor that makes us a force to be reckoned with. —Granny Paula Photo Credit: Ivan Saul Cutler

Raging Grannies masquerade as sweet, little old ladies. They adorn themselves with colorful shawls, hats and aprons, decorated with flowers. Look closely, however, and you’ll see they also wear political buttons. Their distinctive outfits set them apart from other protesters.

“Raging Grannies,” Granny naan says, “use the familiarity of old, popular songs, and rewrite the lyrics to speak to a wide array of societal issues, using humor, and sometimes mockery, to get our point across. We tackle serious subjects with a lighthearted but powerful touch.”

One Piedmont Raging Granny remembers that their first singing sessions as earnest attempts to blend music with relevant messages—not an easy task. Fortunately, a professional singer/songwriter who brought along her ukulele lent her expertise in vocal technique and musical direction.

The Raging Grannies identify as non-partisan, but their lyrics call this into question. One Piedmont Granny, a registered Republican, explained: “I vote based on character—not party. I look for humility. I vote for the person who loves this country’s founding ideals. I vote for those who lead with mercy, who seek to serve, not dominate. And I’m speaking up now not because I’ve suddenly become ‘political,’ but because I want my grandchildren to live in a country where everyone’s rights are protected. Where compassion matters. Where truth matters. Where decency matters.”

With twenty or so active members, the Piedmont Grannies perform at town halls, rallies, marches, and conferences. They have sung to audiences of up to four thousand. Wherever they sing, new grannies sign up. Adds Granny FiFi, “We find that our music unites and inspires the attending crowds. We are astounded and thrilled by the positive reception we have had, the impact we are able to make, and our collective ability to carry forward the great and longstanding tradition of folk music as protest.”

“You don’t have to be loud to be brave,” Granny JJ says. “You don’t have to be radical to demand dignity. You just have to care enough to speak up. I do. And I always will.”

By Martha Merson with thanks to the members of The Piedmont Raging Grannies for their songs and contributions to this article. Readers can find original compositions by Piedmont Raging Grannies on the international song site RagingGrannies.net. For a list of gaggles or how to start one, consult https://raginggrannies.org