About the song
“Harper Valley PTA,” penned by Tom T. Hall and immortalized by Jeannie C. Riley in 1968, is a standout track in the country music genre, known for its catchy narrative and its critical commentary on small-town hypocrisy. Riley’s debut single, which sold over six million copies, achieved unprecedented success by topping both the Billboard Hot 100 and the U.S. Hot Country Singles charts—though not simultaneously—marking a rare dual-chart victory that would not be replicated until Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” in 1981.
The song’s narrative revolves around Mrs. Johnson, a mother whose daughter receives a scathing note from the local PTA criticizing Mrs. Johnson for her lifestyle choices, including wearing short dresses and socializing with men. The PTA’s complaint about her perceived shortcomings as a mother becomes the catalyst for a dramatic showdown. At a PTA meeting, Mrs. Johnson confronts the board members, exposing their personal failings and moral contradictions. This confrontation, delivered with a blend of defiance and wit, critiques the hypocrisy of those who judge others while hiding their own misdeeds.
Jeannie C. Riley’s rendition of “Harper Valley PTA” is distinguished by its memorable opening line and playful delivery. Notable for its dobro played by Jerry Kennedy and a captivating melody, the song quickly gained traction, becoming a massive hit. Riley’s version climbed from No. 81 to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in just two weeks, achieving the highest jump into the Top Ten of the decade. It won Riley a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female, and was also nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in the pop category. In 2019, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, underscoring its lasting impact.
The song’s influence extended beyond music charts. It inspired a 1978 motion picture and a short-lived 1981 television series, both starring Barbara Eden as Mrs. Johnson. Additionally, Sheb Wooley, under his comedic alter-ego Ben Colder, recorded a parody titled “Harper Valley PTA (Later That Same Day)” which also enjoyed moderate success.
In the wake of her transition to gospel music in the 1970s, Riley maintained “Harper Valley PTA” in her concert repertoire, reflecting her acknowledgment of the song’s enduring appeal despite her evolving musical focus. In 1984, Riley recorded a sequel, “Return to Harper Valley,” continuing the story of Mrs. Johnson as a grandmother confronting new challenges.
The song’s legacy is further cemented by its inclusion in Rolling Stone’s 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time, ranking at #78. Internationally, “Harper Valley PTA” has been adapted into Norwegian and Spanish, demonstrating its global resonance and the universal appeal of its message. This country classic remains a powerful critique of societal norms and a testament to the impact of a well-crafted narrative in music.
Video
Lyrics
I wanna tell you all a story ’bout
A Harper Valley widowed wife
Who had a teenage daughter
Who attended Harper Valley Junior High
Well, her daughter came home one afternoon
And didn’t even stop to play
And she said, “mom, I got a note here from the Harper Valley PTA”
Well, the note said, “Mrs. Johnson
You’re wearin’ your dresses way too high
It’s reported you’ve been drinking
And a-running ’round with men and goin’ wild
And we don’t believe you oughta be a-bringin’ up
Your little girl this way”
And it was signed by the Secretary
Harper Valley PTA
Well, it happened that the PTA was gonna meet
That very afternoon
And they were sure surprised
When Mrs. Johnson wore her miniskirt into the room
And as she walked up to the blackboard
I can still recall the words she had to say
She said, “I’d like to address this meeting of the Harper Valley PTA
Well, there’s Bobby Taylor sittin’ there
And seven times he’s asked me for a date
And Mrs. Taylor sure seems to use a lotta ice
Whenever he’s away
And Mr. Baker can you tell us why
Your secretary had to leave this town?
And shouldn’t widow Jones be told to keep
Her window shades all pulled completely down
Well, Mr. Harper couldn’t be here
‘Cause he stayed too long at Kelly’s Bar again
And if you smell Shirley Thompson’s breath
You’ll find she’s had a little nip of gin
And then you have the nerve to tell me
You think that as the mother I’m not fit
Well, this is just a little Peyton Place
And you’re all Harper Valley hypocrites”
No, I wouldn’t put you on because it really did
It happened just this way
The day my mama socked it to the Harper Valley PTA
The day my mama socked it to the Harper Valley PTA