Mount Holyoke, Hear Us!

Mount Holyoke, Hear Us! is a powerful anthem born from the courage of nearly 200 Mount Holyoke College workers—dining staff, housekeepers, and facilities workers—who took to the picket lines on September 2, 2025, demanding fair wages and respect. Led by a stirring female vocal, backed by a soaring mixed choir, and enriched with emotive violin and driving guitar, this song captures the heart of their struggle and the solidarity of students chanting “pay your workers.” From Rhonda’s resolve to Jorge’s dreams for his family, each verse weaves their stories into a call for justice, echoing the legacy of labor icon Frances Perkins, a Mount Holyoke alumna. This folk-inspired protest anthem is both a tribute to the workers’ unbreakable spirit and a rallying cry for dignity and change. All proceeds support the striking workers of SEIU Local 32BJ and UAW Local 2322. Join us in amplifying their voices—Mount Holyoke, hear us!

https://adamsweet.bandcamp.com/track/mount-holyoke-hear-us

(Verse 1)

We rise at dawn, with hearts so strong,

The backbone of this place we've been all along.

From dining halls to dorms we sweep,

Grounds we tend, and promises we keep.

But the wages low, they break our soul,

No living wage, it takes its toll.

We're cooks, we're cleaners, we're the core,

Mount Holyoke, hear us, we'll take no more!

(Chorus)

Stand up, stand tall, we're answering the call!

For justice, for fairness, we're fighting for all.

With courage and pride, we're striking today,

Mount Holyoke workers, we're paving the way!

(Verse 2)

Rhonda's voice, it rings out clear,

Seven years of toil, she's still right here.

Jorge dreams for his children three,

A better life, through unity.

Bonnie's served for nineteen years,

Ann's first strike, she's faced her fears.

Rich invokes Frances Perkins' name,

Her legacy fuels this righteous flame.

(Chorus)

Stand up, stand tall, we're answering the call!

For justice, for fairness, we're fighting for all.

With courage and pride, we're striking today,

Mount Holyoke workers, we're paving the way!

(Bridge)

Students chant, their voices soar,

“Pay your workers!” they implore.

Purple stickers, yellow too,

Solidarity shines in all we do.

The college speaks of deals to make,

But empty words won't heal the ache.

A living wage, respect, and care,

That's the future we demand to share!

(Verse 3)

We're the heart that keeps this campus alive,

Through every season, we help it thrive.

From convocation to the halls we roam,

We're the ones who make this place a home.

No more silence, no more delay,

We're standing firm, we're here to stay.

With unions strong, we'll break the chain,

Together we'll rise, through struggle and pain.

(Chorus)

Stand up, stand tall, we're answering the call!

For justice, for fairness, we're fighting for all.

With courage and pride, we're striking today,

Mount Holyoke workers, we're paving the way!

(Outro)

Honk your horns on College Street,

Feel the pulse of our heartbeat.

From South Hadley to the world we'll sing,

Workers' rights are everything!

Mount Holyoke, hear our cry,

For dignity, we'll fight, we'll rise!

Solidarity forever, we'll never sway,

Mount Holyoke workers, we lead the way!