The Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress has released a powerful parody of 'If I Only Had a Brain' from 'The Wizard of Oz' to criticize several Supreme Court Justices and their recent decisions.
- July 3, 2024
AceShowbiz - Bette Midler is going down the Yellow Brick Road to justice. The acclaimed singer and actress took to social media on Tuesday, July 2nd, to share her latest musical venture, a "Wizard of Oz" parody song targeting several Supreme Court Justices. Known for her vocal liberal views, Midler directed her ire toward Clarence Thomas, John Roberts, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, condemning their recent rulings that have sparked nationwide debates.
The parody song, masterfully penned by Eric Kornfeld and musically directed by Midler's long-time associate and "Hairspray" composer Marc Shaiman, reimagines the "Oz" classic "If I Only Had a Brain", originally written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg in 1939. Midler's rendition cleverly addresses the judges' decisions and their impact on women's rights, especially in matters related to reproductive issues.
"Neil and Brett, you spiteful judges/ We gals are holding grudges/ Keep church and state apart/ You could be less disruptive, in all matters reproductive/ If you only had a heart," Midler sings, emphasizing her criticism of the Supreme Court's approach to women's issues. Another potent verse includes the lines, "You could judge women fairly/ And have ethics more than barely/ If you only had a brain." Midler leaves no room for ambiguity about her stance, concluding with, "Thumbs down to autocracy/ We're saving our democracy, so life can be divine."
This isn't the first time Midler has used her platform to parody political figures or weigh in on judicial decisions. In 2022, she was vocal about the Supreme Court's 6-to-3 ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision that ignited widespread criticism and mobilized activists across the country.
Despite her passionate advocacy, Midler faced backlash for some of her comments, which were perceived as anti-trans. Clarifying her stance, she insisted, "The truth is, Democracy is slipping through our fingers! I'm all in on trying to save Democracy for ALL PEOPLE. We must unite, because, in case you haven't been paying attention, divided we will definitely fall." Her commitment to an inclusive and just society underscores her latest musical message.
As young people navigate the complexities of modern political landscapes, Midler's artistic activism serves as a reminder of the influential role that public figures and creative expressions can play in advocating for change and unity.