Italian-American
University of Southern California
USC Rugby
International Relations
Italian, Arabic, English
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
23 April 2011
Rugby song “I used to work Chicago”
Transcription (because it would not be the same if not sung in context)
Everyone: “I used to work Chicago, I used to work the store, I used to work Chicago, I don’t work there anymore.”
First person: “A woman came into the store looking for an abortion.”
Everyone: “An abortion from the store?”
First person: “An abortion she wanted, a kick down the stairs she got!”
Everyone: “I used to work Chicago, I used to work the store, I used to work Chicago, I don’t work there anymore.”
Second person: “A woman came into the store looking for a necklace”
Everyone: “A necklace from the store?”
Second person: “A necklace she wanted, a pearl necklace she got!” (cue masturbation hand motion)
Everyone: “I used to work Chicago, I used to work the store, I used to work Chicago, I don’t work there anymore.”
Etc.
CG explains that the Rugby song, and songs like it, is a definite part of the rugby experience and rugby traditions at USC. He mentions that he doesn’t think that that it particular to just USC rugby, and he believes that he once heard another rugby player from another school mention it. CG explains that the context to the performance of this song is very important. The songs are generally only sung when there is a large gathering of rugby players and there are copious amounts of alcohol. The purpose of the event, in his words, is to have a good time while getting really drunk. CG mentions that the majority of the rugby songs are raunchy, sexist, and offensive. He explains that it is all in good fun and in no way should be taken seriously. He explains that the culture of rugby is defined by a duality: one offensive and dirty, the other “gentlemanly.” To explain this, CG stated, “You know how soccer is described as a gentleman’s sport played by hooligans? Well, rugby is a hooligan’s sport played by gentlemen.”
Looking at the song, and having witnessed the context that it was performed; I find that the significance behind it as reported by CG is logical. The song, without a doubt is offensive, and borders on inappropriate. However, I believe this is the reason that the rugby team sings it. In a way, the team is looking to push/test the boundaries of what is appropriate in society. It is supposed to be shocking, as participants will often comment on just how bad it is. I also agree with the statement that it is not inherently meant to be offensive. I have personally seen it performed with women present, and none of them seem offended. The purpose of the song is to be purposefully offensive, and specifically sexual. The fun comes from the fact that the participants are shouting things that are considered taboo. And in some sense, the women present find this attractive. CG told me, “the girls love it. We’d be singing some of the other songs and girls would request us to sing this one.” The second purpose of the song is to test members on rugby “lore.” After one person completes a line, another person is picked out to recite another line. If the person fails or stumbles, everybody dips there hands into their beer and throws it at the individual yelling, “Redeem thyself” until they can think of a new line. The song is a way for the team to include younger individuals and make them feel apart of a larger group.
The hyperlink below is an example of some of the verses to the song.