Welders Song Lyrics

Collection

Identifier: A3261

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection includes handwritten song lyrics for three original songs by The Welders (5 pages). These sheets were displayed in the St. Louis Sound exhibition at the Missouri History Museum (August 2021 to January 2023). The songs are arranged alphabetically by title. The three songs are “P-E-R-V-E-R-T by Rusty and Stephanie Welder,” “Debutantes in Bondage,” and “S.O.S. NOW.” The St. Louis Sound exhibition explained the last two songs as follows: The Welders’ songs were funny, smart, and self-aware. “S.O.S. Now”—which stood for “Stamp Out Sex”—yawns at obscenity, while “Debutantes in Bondage” builds up a wacky story of a kidnapped teenage socialite, complete with shouts like “You’re wilting my corsage!”

Dates

ca. 1978

Creator

Welders (Musical group) (Author, Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

For permission to publish, quote from, or reproduce material in this collection, please contact the Archives Reference Desk at archives@mohistory.org. Copyright restrictions may apply. The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming to the laws of copyright.

Historical Sketch

The Welders were an all-female punk rock group in St. Louis from about 1975 to about 1981 and were also one of the first punk rock bands in the city. Seven women made up the Welders across the band’s run: Stephanie von Drasek (vocals), Jane Fujimoto (drums), Kelly “Rusty” Draper (guitar), Caroline Fujimoto (bass), Colleen Cowan O’Sullivan (vocals), Lyla Turner (drums), and Julie Benz (guitar). Musical groups that influenced The Welders included the Monkees, the Jam, and the New York Dolls.

Extent

0.01 Cubic Feet ( (1 folder))

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

The songs are arranged alphabetically by title.

Physical and Technical Requirements

There are no physical or technical restrictions.

Donor Information

The lyrics were donated by Kelly “Rusty” Draper, Caroline Fujimoto, Jane Fujimoto, and Stephanie Von Drasek (The Welders) in 2023 (accession number 2023-027).