Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
Joan Baez · Other Songs - Joan Baez
And nobody can make me do wrong
Take me for granted, leaving love unsure
Makes will power weak and temptation strong
A woman's only human
You should understand
She's not just a plaything
She's flesh and blood just like her man
If you want a do-right-all-day woman
You've got to be a do-right-all-night man
They say that it's a man's world
Well you can improve that by me
And as long as we're together baby
Show some respect for me
A woman's only human
You should understand
She's not just a plaything
She's flesh and blood just like her man
If you want a do-right-all-day woman
You've got to be a do-right-all-night man
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
Joan Baez's 'Do Right Woman, Do Right Man' stands as a defining anthem of the 1960s folk revival, blending traditional spirituals with a driving, protest-oriented rhythm. Originally a spiritual adapted for social commentary, the song's call to action resonated deeply within the civil rights movement, urging listeners to treat one another with dignity and justice. Baez's distinctive vocal delivery, characterized by its raw emotional intensity and rhythmic urgency, transformed the material into a powerful tool for activism. The track exemplifies her ability to merge folk tradition with contemporary political messaging, cementing her status as a pivotal voice of the era. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to inspire collective responsibility and social change, remaining a staple in anthologies of protest music and a testament to the songwriting traditions of the American folk canon.