This week’s theme, according to newepicauthor, who hosts this challenge, is “no.” The song I’m featuring is from the musical, Oklahoma. I can understand how the girl in the song feels about not being able to say no, but at least I can say no to what she can’t. How about you?
Oklahoma—I Cain’t Say No
It ain’t so much a question of not knowin’ what to do
I knowed what’s right an’ wrong since I been ten.
I heared a lot of stories an’ I reckon they are true
About how girls are put upon by men.
I know I mustn’t fall into the pit
But when I’m with a feller, I fergit!
I’m just a girl who cain’t say ‘No’
I’m in a terrible fix!
I always say ‘Come on, let’s go’
just when I oughta say ‘Nix.’
When a person tries to kiss a girl
I know she oughta give his face a smack!
But as soon as someone kisses me
I somehow sorta wanna kiss him back!
I’m just a fool when lights are low
I cain’t be prissy an’ quaint
I ain’t the type that can faint
How can I be what I ain’t?
I cain’t say ‘No!’
Whatcha gonna do when a feller gets flirty
An’ starts to talk purty
Whatcha gonna do?
Sposin’ that he says
That your lips are like cherries,
Or roses, or berries?
Whatcha gonna do?
Sposin’ that he says
That yer sweeter ‘n cream
and he’s gotta have cream or die?
Whatcha gonna do when he talks that way?
Spit in his eye?
I’m jist a girl who cain’t say ‘No’,
Cain’t seem to say it at all
I hate to disserpoint a beau
When he is payin’ a call!
Fer a while I ack refined and cool,
A settin on the velveteen setee
Nen I think of thet ol’ Golden Rule,
And do fer him what he would do fer me!
I cain’t resist a Romeo
In a sombrero and chaps
Soon as I sit on their laps
Somethin’ inside of me snaps
I cain’t say ‘No’!
Songwriters: Rogers &Hammerstein
My Books
My Ideal Partner: How I Met, Married, and Cared for the Man I Loved Despite Debilitating Odds
That’s Life: New and Selected Poems
How to Build a better Mousetrap: Recollections and Reflections of a Family Caregiver
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My Corner 
Her top is a bit revealing when she bends. I don’t think that I ever watched Oklahoma, unless I saw it when I was real young and just don’t remember.
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I first saw this musical when I was a teen-ager. The local theater guild produced it. I don’t remember the girl’s top being revealing, but it may not have been. If it was, with my limited vision, I may not have spotted it. Thank you for your comment.
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Fun song! I remember watching this musical long time ago. Thanks for sharing.
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You’re welcome. Thank you for stopping by.
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Reblogged this on Campbells World and commented:
Be sure to visit Abbie’s blog to read the entire post and give her a like, comment, and share.
Make sure to check out all her books while you’re there.
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I sang this role back in the day….
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Wow, I bet that was fun. Thank you for sharing.
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Nice choice Abbie!
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Thadk you.
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This is so meaningful in terms of our social contexts today when women are learning that they CAN indeed say no, and they do in fact. Even growing up in my days was still a time when men pressured women as if they women had no rights at all, even at work. I am 77 now, so truly I have seen a lot, not only in the working world, but in the everyday world as well. I am glad things are beginning to change, and I hope the day will come when women come into their own in getting treated with respect and dignity everywhere.
I have a significant other that I care for very much and I too have taken care of for much of the time we have been together for his illnesses and surgeries, and I have never had to deal with him not treating me with total respect and protecting me as well as he is able at any given time. It is a blessing to have come even this far, though we still have a very long and tiring journey. Thank you most kindly.
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I think you and I are both fortunate. It’s too bad that even today, many women aren’t being treated with the respect they deserve. Thank you for your comment.
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