Description

“Cope with a Woke Pope” was released in 1965 by Martha and the Vandellas as the B-side of “My, My, My, Garden of Versailles.”

Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Heard the news from Rome, yeah, the headlines shout
Got a brand new leader, turnin’ things about
Used to be the incense, the mystery and lace
Now he’s talkin’ justice, all over the place
(Ooh-ooh, all over the place)
My grandma’s fannin’, Uncle Joe just sighs
Says, “The world’s gone crazy right before my eyes!”

(Backing Vocals – Tight harmonies, call-and-response)
(Lead) He’s tradin’ in the gilt for a simple stone
(Backing) (Simple stone, yeah!)
(Lead) Says a lovin’ heart is the finest throne
(Backing) (Finest throne, Lord!)

(Chorus – More upbeat, full group sound)
(All) Gotta learn to cope (Cope!) with this woke Pope (Pope!)
(All) Hangin’ on to a brand new kinda hope (Brand new hope!)
(All) He’s shakin’ the rafters, ringin’ a different bell
(All) Gotta learn to cope (Cope!) ’cause time will surely tell!

(Lead Vocalist)
Verse 2:
Deacon Brown is happy, singin’ a joyful tune
Says, “The spirit’s movin’ underneath the moon!”
But Mrs. Higgins told me, down at the corner store,
“Tradition’s what we need, child, just like before!”
(Ooh-ooh, just like before)
He’s askin’ questions, stirrin’ up the pot
Talkin’ ‘bout the have-nots and what they ain’t got!

(Backing Vocals)
(Lead) Says compassion’s currency, and kindness is the key
(Backing) (Kindness is the key!)
(Lead) Wants to set the lonely and the forgotten free
(Backing) (Set ‘em free, Lord!)

(Chorus – Full group sound)
(All) Gotta learn to cope (Cope!) with this woke Pope (Pope!)
(All) Hangin’ on to a brand new kinda hope (Brand new hope!)
(All) He’s shakin’ the rafters, ringin’ a different bell
(All) Gotta learn to cope (Cope!) ’cause time will surely tell!

(Bridge – Lead vocalist more reflective, with softer backing oohs and aahs)
(Lead) Maybe it’s a good thing, this wind of change a-blowin’
(Lead) Plantin’ seeds of understandin’, helpin’ us keep growin’
(Lead) The old road’s gettin’ dusty, new paths we gotta find
(Lead) To open up your heart, child, and open up your mind!

(Saxophone or Organ Solo – Short, soulful, slightly understated for a B-side)

(Chorus – Full group sound, building a little)
(All) Gotta learn to cope (Cope!) with this woke Pope (Pope!)
(All) Hangin’ on to a brand new kinda hope (Brand new hope!)
(All) He’s shakin’ the rafters, ringin’ a different bell
(All) Gotta learn to cope (Cope!) ’cause time will surely tell!

(Outro – Vocals ad-libbing and fading out with the music)
(Lead) Yeah, cope with it, people! (Backing: Cope with it!)
(Lead) This woke Pope, now! (Backing: This woke Pope!)
(Lead) He’s got a new vision! (Backing: Got the vision!)
(Lead) Gotta make a decision… (Backing: Make decision…)
(Lead) Open up your heart… yeah… (Backing: Cope, cope, cope…)
(Lead) It’s a brand new start… (Fade)
(Sound of vinyl crackle as it fades to silence)

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Mexico, Honduras, or the US