Peggy Seeger - I'm Gonna Be an Engineer cover

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"I'm Gonna Be an Engineer" cover by Reina del Cid
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Peggy Seeger is a badass.
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[@tammycapp4448]

My mom, an engineer herself, sang this when my brother and I were little girls and dad was the stay at home parent. It’s been one of my favorites ever since. Especially the line “I’ll fight them as a woman not a lady, I’ll fight them as an engineer!”

[@user-wf5co6ct7l]

Sorry, it might be the way I’m reading it; so, you’re saying both you and your brother were girls! 😂

[@tammycapp4448]

@@user-wf5co6ct7l well we thought he was

[@ryanclarkin9675]

@@user-wf5co6ct7l I read it this way too 😂

[@ichich1839]

@ryanclarkin9675 Not impossible 🤷‍♂️

[@GuntherRommel]

@@user-wf5co6ct7l transgender people exist

[@pumpkinghead15]

it's a crime that I only just learned about Peggy and holy moly do you ever do her work justice. It's tragic the song's message is still painfully relevant all these years later but DAMN do you inspire with it.

[@mikethesike5817]

❤

[@keithmorgan8392]

Love it! My wife is a hell-of-a Lady and a Bad Ass Engineer (PhD, no less). Married 31 years, two kids, crushing stereotypes everyday we can. We always find your talent and style uplifting - today even more so.

[@ThermalJockey]

My wife is an Engineer - Actually, a Rocket Scientist, with a Phd! I am a computer scientist / Programmer, with an MS only. One of the things that attracted me to her was her brilliance. Smart is sexy! Thank you for the song! Oh, when my wife had our first child, other than the delivery, I took off work and she stayed working. I was Mr. Mom to our daughter for 9 months (ish). And for 6ish months for our 2nd child, a boy. I do most of the housework. She does most of the cooking. I do most of the shopping and finances. She is smarter than me, and I'm a smart guy! I love my rocket babe!

[@raynoladominguez4730]

You are badass. As a retired engineer, I relate to this song. It is very relevant. You did such a great job.

[@rjsegedin7116]

First time I've ever heard this song. My wonderful daughter is a mechatronics engineer and the mother of two lovely children. There are a lot more young women studying engineering now than there were in the 1970s when this song was written. Thanks Reina(Elle), I really enjoyed the song and appreciate you bringing it to my attention.

[@jerrybrownell3633]

Great rendition of this Peggy Seeger classic. Peggy wrote this in 1971. She was the half sister of the late Folk singer Pete Seeger. Her late husband Ewan McColl wrote the "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in honor of Peggy. Thanks Reina for sharing.

[@apennameandthata2017]

wow

[@HotelPapa100]

Those two wrote and performend some of my favourite songs.

[@BenAtTheTube]

Thank you for the information. In 1971 I was still in college, and computer controlled machining was still new, so it would not be unusual for someone to have a history operating the turret lathe mentioned in the song.

[@kevinkoepnick5921]

You, dear Engineer, are the badass. I say this as the grandson of a head nurse, son of a single mom/office manager, husband of a science teacher, and dad of a trauma nurse. Be who you want to be. Do what you want to do. Just please keep singing. You are a bad ass positive role model for young women and young men.

[@bonniedouglas400]

How did I get my engineering degree and work for 20 years without ever hearing this song!?!

[@trackie1957]

Always loved this song. In my 42 years as an engineer, some of my most talented colleagues were women. What I found astounding is that they not only succeeded in their jobs, but often were also taking care of several children. The very best team leader I worked with was not only a PhD engineer, but a capable leader who had a talent for bringing the best out of each member of her team and who always went to bat for us with management. She earned and had our trust and support. She also had her two young children to take care of (they became national level martial arts champions).

[@manuelerivera8263]

OUTSTANDING! Just sent this to my daughter who began her engineering career with the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. (company name purposely omitted) She has had a number of accomplishments despite the good ole' boys club. Keep up the great music!

[@gus23a]

Come on, nobody knows General Electric anymore.

[@youzguyzchicago]

@@gus23a Wasn’t referring to GE…although she did work with them.

[@jadefalcon001]

@@youzguyzchicago CAT would be another candidate.

[@craigeverhart4755]

You have to hear the original too.

[@pcnuez]

@@jadefalcon001 Bingo!

[@briellecirlig7520]

Excellent cover! I first heard this song on late-night public radio when I was a middle-schooler. The line "Mama said, 'Can't you be a lady?' " hit especially hard, because I heard that all. the. time. My life ended up taking a similar track--I went back to school after being a mother. And now I'm an engineer!

[@benjaminloyd6056]

Shout-out to our mothers, and all the sacrifices they have made for us.

[@michaelputnam2532]

I was going to send this to my daughter, the electrical engineer, who retired at 29 with sufficient funding to travel the world....

[@elmateo77]

How did she manage that? Most EEs make good money but not enough to retire in less than 10 years...

[@nicksmith9989]

I caught this on Facebook Reels, of all places, this morning, and it culminated in me staring out my kitchen window and thinking, “I’m happy to be alive right now.” So I started writing a song about that. I got 3 verses before I stepped away. But I think it’s gonna be a pretty good one. Thanks for the inspiration. And god bless Peggy Seeger.

[@nicksmith9989]

Lyrics to what I’m working on. I stare out the window on this cool winter’s morn’ And tears well up in my eyes As I listen to an old Peggy Seeger tune This morning I’m happy to be alive My week wasn’t great, work kicked my ass It’s getting harder just to get by In a world that cares less about people than cash But this morning I’m happy to be alive My love life’s lack luster with more Lust than love And I’m lonely most of the time But I’ve got friendships that help fill the void And this morning I’m happy to be alive

[@nicksmith9989]

Follow up. I think I’ve finished the song. I’ll drop a link when I record it. In the meantime, semi-finalized lyrics: I stare out the window on this cool winter’s morn’ And tears well up in my eyes As I listen to an old Peggy Seeger tune This morning I’m happy to be alive My week wasn’t great, work kicked my ass It’s getting harder just to get by In a world that cares less about people than cash But this morning I’m happy to be alive Hard to be glass half full when the cup is near gone Watched my mother lose her whole life She lost her home, now I can’t afford one But this morning I’m happy to be alive My love life’s lack luster with more lust than love And I’m lonely most of the time But I’ve got friendships that help fill the void And this morning I’m happy to be alive And I wonder what Peggy thinks About what’s become of this world One step forward, two steps back In this country for women and girls Can be overwhelming, hard to see the best things When you read the latest headline But this morning I’m happy to be alive

[@Acehigh-Jenkins]

That really choked me up!

[@Lalita_Chevaliere_108]

Beautiful. Please post the song when you sing it!

[@johnagel419]

Outstanding! My beloved was an engineer. She was a hell of a human being. I miss her so much. Thank you for this wonderful cover. ✌🤟💜

[@LawrenceMeisel]

I haven't heard that song since 1970 something. So glad that its spirit is being kept alive. The future is bright. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 Bravo.

[@sole129]

As a young girl ( 50years ago) I had to have a serious conversation with my teacher. We both agreed that sewing and stuff like that did NOT work for me and I wanted to do metal work with the boys. I won and was the first girl in my school to have some fun I think. Btw. I am en engeeneer..ingeneer..eengeneer..good with numbers, today:)

[@rickgilbrt]

Proper grammar, please. I used to couldn't spell engineer. Now I are one. 😊

[@AaronCoolGuy]

She said shes good at math not spelling ​@rickgilbrt

[@andypagano4195]

Just so amazing to hear this song coming alive again after all these years. Back in the 1970s this was practically an anthem on WBAI Radio in New York. Hope it has the power over people that it had back then.

[@cchimi1]

I'd never heard this song, but my wife said, "It's been years since I've heard that song. I love it!" Our daughter wants her six-year-old daughter to grow up to be an engineer. I'm going to play this for our granddaughter every chance I get. Thanks for introducing it to me, Reina.

[@frankhooliganmecklenburg2274]

Your gift is being totally relatable. Every time. And that's more than talent, with which you are also blessed. You're a conduit for sincere humanism....if that's even a word. You and Toni weave a great message. You're an old soul. Thanks for being brave. Thanks for walking away from that cubicle and thanks for the musical stories. You two are bright lights in a darkening world.

[@reginaduke7451]

I first heard this song when I was 30. I'm 74 now, and what a delight to know it's being sung and shared!!! Such a nice surprise!

[@paca_bill4863]

I've never heard this song until now (60-some odd years old), but absolutely love it. The world needs more female engineers, and I salute all who join our ranks!!

[@chrisedmonson9471]

Thank you.. the world needs that song more than ever right now.

[@peterdeboer8924]

I've never heard this song before. It's a great protest song! Well done!

[@Chris.Brisson]

What a timely post, I love it. Texas needs more engineers! The "Rosie The Riveter" headwear is a nice touch.

[@geedub7912]

HaHaHa ~~ I saw "Rosie" too

[@apennameandthata2017]

I missed that!

[@apennameandthata2017]

i missed that 😡

[@elizabethharttley4073]

Oh please bring us more Peggy, you did well with this one.

[@christopherhachet8204]

I turned 56 today, September 12 2021. I can't think of a better birthday present than this song. My favorite thing I ahve ever heard you sing. You have a fan for life in me!

[@kristineknapp3684]

Happy Birthday!!

[@woodstrapper8947]

I remember being blown away the first time I heard this song on the radio with my four daughters in the car. Thanks for the great rendition, Elle. I loved your playing. Your voice is perfect for this song.

[@edprzydatek8398]

I've never heard this song before. It's great. And you did it magnificently. It sometimes amazes me how quickly you memorize all the words to a song. And this was a long song. What a message it had. I'm going to play it for family and friends. Happy Sunday from up-state New York.

[@richardjohnson5979]

Perfect timing Reina! The noise you hear is the whole Seeger clan applauding. Been a listener for years. I really love your work!

[@mikemeyers1717]

I have never heard this song before . Your voice is so smooth , soothing , and , calming. I could listen to you sing , ANYTHING ! ! ! Great Job !

[@gary-gilbert]

When I read the title I thought this was going to be a song about trains. What a nice surprise. Great job.

[@elightkeeper]

The thumbs down on this speaks volumes. The tune is too well-written, too well-played and sung to be disliked solely on musical merits. Obviously, it still hits a nerve with its commentary (*checks calendar) in 2021. Peggy will love this.

[@jeric_synergy8581]

Is there a "down" counter? All I see is upvotes. --And I totally agree, the song is a banger, and Elle nails it. I can't believe I never heard it before, and am dismayed it came out in 1979 (yet is still very relevant).

[@ShareloveT]

Your voice is both silky and clear, makes for such a satisfying listen and great for storytelling like in this one! Great job! 😁😉👍

[@roberttroesch-edamsaskcana3652]

Truer words were never sang, thank you Reina!!!

[@lonniejaster376]

After becoming a fan of yours, I’ve really discovered a lot of great performers I’ve never heard of. Thank you!

[@daviddemar8749]

Peggy Seeger is the sister of the late folksinger , activist Pete Seeger

[@thomashopper8616]

This is so poignant. It as relevant now as it was when it was written. Your performance brought me to tears

[@Burvedys]

What a great idea to have lyrics as subtitles! Thank you!

[@jonathansharp6826]

That takes me back. I remember hearing that song on a local folk music radio show on Radio Leicester (UK), hosted by my physics teacher - Jon Scaife. That must have been back in the 80's. Thank-you for such clear rendition!

[@rogersegal113]

Great song! I remember hearing this years and years ago, thank you for reviving it. And yeah, what a badass…

[@Bobywan75]

Beautiful song, there is a really Beatles feel to it. Love your performance and the song topic. You're a badass too Reina and you look like Rosie the riveter with the bandana :)

[@jessicacosiguitar]

I thought the same thing!

[@stonesdude154]

Got my Sunday morning coffee and Sunday morning song, ready for the day.

[@prestok]

Wow, that song is f-ing amazing! I didn't know it or the composer, I'm sure to look her up. Congrats on the execution. And as usual, thanks for the subs on behalf of all of us non-native English speakers.

[@robertaxel]

and hearing impaired also..

[@daviddemar8749]

Peggy Seeger is the sister of the late folksinger, activist Pete Seeger

[@angel-mq2mo]

Yeah she's a badass!! And so are you! Beautiful rendition! Absolutely loved it❤️❤️❤️so talented!

[@sabrinaelgaberger3339]

A beautiful life story of a woman who campaigns for women all over the world through the sweet voice and talent of a beautiful artist. Thank you Rachelle for all the women.

[@silasarngnanaaq7506]

I enjoy listening to your covers and especially your own tunes. The internet has made this world so much smaller that I'm able to listen in every Sunday and still live in my hometown in Arctic Canada. Keep up the great performances.

[@josiploncaric]

This cover needs to be on an album. Awesome!

[@folkchick1]

That was freaking AWESOME!!! Thanks for introducing this song to me - and I am a lady engineer! I have to learn more about this song.

[@chiphill4856]

You go girl!

[@richardrouse358]

I just heard the original Peggy Seeger version of this song on BBC Radio 2 for the first time today and then came across this video while searching for more information about it. This is a fantastic, heartfelt version of a lyrically ingenious song! Top work Reina!

Thank you very much from Patagonia, Argentina from an old engineer and her wife, engineer too :)

[@AndyZach]

First time I heard this one. It's sad without being bitter. I'm proud to say I have two engineers in the family, one of whom is a beautiful young woman.

[@denniskirschbaum9109]

Such a great song! I first heard this in the 70s probably on the "Folk Weekend" radio show hosted by Mary Cliff on NPR. My dad had it on every weekend. The Seegers are towering colossuses of American Folk. It is a joy to see and hear you play this! YOU are a badass!

[@stevenh1307]

Bravo, beautifully performed, and a lovely message. We are truly lucky to have you share your talent with the world.

[@tatonblue3031]

No one better to sing this! Badass for sure!!!

[@shadow83blk]

Another gem! I love how broad your appreciation of music is.

[@hangdogit]

Clever lyrics and inventive chord progression. And of course, while this is an old song, it is more important than ever.

[@nondepouk]

What a beautiful Song! And you sing and play it so well Reina. Congratulations, Jean

[@TramPainter]

Wow, Reina, this one really suits you! Great singing and playing. Probably going to be my favourite!

[@juliansmith3972]

This song is like my neighbour's dog - cute, but has a bit of a bite!! Brilliantly performed, as always!

[@kentcarter835]

What a wicked cover! Cheers from Texas!

[@petecolton8206]

Great to hear you sing Peggy Seeger, had to smile and show my age at the reference to Jimmy Young.

[@bsmepe]

You do such a great job! Your covers are my favorite.

[@rayvonnesr1672]

What a cool song and you nailed it! Excellent! You have a great voice!

[@2020heinsite]

I worked with too few female engineers in my engineering career. But every one of them was and still is superb at what they do. You can bet I'll be sending this link around to them. Great job, Reina!

[@jamesweeks7152]

Amen!

[@apeel2008]

Never heard that song before. Absolutely loved it. I bet you were feeling a bit pissed off singing it, knowing just how accurate the lyrics were back In the 70s, and still are in many ways today. As an electrical engineer (male) who graduated in 1974, there was not a single girl in my graduating class. There may have been some in the other engineering disciplines, but we didn’t interact much between disciplines. I believe times have changed ‘a bit’ since then, but I doubt very much that we are close to equity yet. This song reminds us that we, as individuals and as a society, we need to do and be better.

[@profdave2861]

Brilliant song, brilliantly done! (And yes… I’m one of those male engineers but my classes are now nearly 40% occupied by young ladies who will pursue that profession!)

[@markanderson5077]

Lol! I sent this to my daughter, a mechanical engineer who now specializes in renewable energy with a Fortune 500 power company. Thanks! Nice guitar licks too.

[@pavelkratochvila6157]

Much better is criticism with singing. This is beautiful sounding and charmant. Great job.

[@paxber1]

As an engineer myself I have loved this song since I was in college. Great cover!

[@jeromejablonski4322]

Great great cover. First heard this song when I was about 15. Probably only heard it 2 other times in 50 years. What a fine job recreating it. Thanks.

[@kristineknapp3684]

Great version of this old song. Keep 'em coming. Thank you for keeping these songs ALIVE!!

[@seaoftranquility7228]

Far Out. I haven’t heard this since I was a kid and I always loved it. Never knew it was Peggy Seeger either. (I was so young I thought she wanted to drive trains). Fantastic version and awesome guitar. Bra frikken Vo. 👏👏👏🍾🥂

[@howardchasser9100]

Thank you! What an incredible and thought-provoking song! Just spent an hour listening to a workshop that Peggy did of "controversial songs" - WOW! Mind blown! Hardcore badass!! As are you! Keep up the awesome range of incredible work.

[@ytzpaul]

Thank you for the excellent take on that Peggy Seeger song.

[@karlbrowne6150]

This is my first time hearing this song but Dear Lord, you sing it like you own it.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Well done! So much has changed but not enough, we're not done.

[@jimwalden-h9o]

Great & true song with brilliant lyric's of applicable historical facts for the last 100 years...

[@TobiasFangorIsntCis]

I’d never heard of this song before seeing your cover on TikTok, and now it’s one of my favorites. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@mod317]

VERY WELL DONE, JUST A GREAT WAY TO START THE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Dev-fo7oi]

You introduce me to some really great artists. Thanks

[@matthewspencer5086]

Reina: Some of the lyrics show how much British influence rubbed off on Peggy Seeger over all her years here! Jimmy Young used to present a _very_ popular morning to lunchtime show on BBC Radio Two. Vickers was the big industrial company which made everything from Machine-guns to Submarines; some parts of it survive as offshoots of BAe. When my brother got his masters in criminology, he was hired by the UK government for various crime prevention schemes and when he helped the government and Hull Telecom tackle the problem of anonymous obscene phone calls, he had to be interviewed on the Jimmy Young show, so that all the housewives would know what they should do about it. _That's_ the sort of thing Ms Seeger means about the Jimmy Young show: you wanted to say something to the nation's housewives, you had to be on the show. Especially if it's something no fit for their husband's ears. My brother thinks that this interview is lost, even from the BBC archives. But that's what he thinks!

[@SiTheMon777]

Awesome version

[@ThePseudoDionysius]

Very nicely done. Things haven't changed that much - but they are changing.

[@jococontreras5107]

Felicitaciones, siempre usted tan especial y dulce con su interpretación. Saludos desde Chile.

[@frankigoe2838]

Very nice performance. I love finding talented performers and great songs. Excellent!

[@enzopalumbo2164]

I am a retired male engineer and can relate to this song. This was very true when I first started my career in the early 1980s. Female students represented less than 5% of the engineering students at my university and the attitudes of people and employers at the time was as described in the song. But that is changing. Female engineering students at my alma mater is now 30%. The engineering firm I retired from and still doing some consulting work now has about 35% female engineers. And the department I worked for, with the last 3 hires, has hit the 50% mark (12 females and 12 males). I hired the first 2 females in the department and one of them now has the position I had when I retired. I actually report to her for my consulting work.

[@JH-si9oe]

Thanks Reina absolutely brilliant 👏

[@MyLameAnimations]

Outstanding.

[@rayzink7036]

I heard Peggy’s brother sing this in concert years ago. It’s a wonderful song

[@DoctorJoanieTool]

SO AMAZING!!!! After Texas I NEEDED to hear this. You are amazing. Saw you at the DAKOTA a few years ago, opening for Peter Himmelman. You were and are, completely outstanding.

[@Labrys67]

Wonderful song and so fitting in these times. And awesome singing/playing as always! Happy Sunday :)

[@WriteInAaronBushnell]

In tears

[@jamespearse3275]

That was brilliant, with so much truth and so much injustices in it. Well done.

[@sapphirepilot]

What wonderful and serious lyrics and so well presented by Reina.

[@nankerphelge3771]

Thank you Reina! All my friends and family are going to hear this song.

[@RobertSchilf]

Beautiful ... and sadly true!

[@taracrank2506]

I really love this your version of this song! So brilliant I could listen to it all day! I also love your TikTok content - you're so funny, clever and passionate about what you do and I just love that I get to witness it. Thank you for being you x

[@bruceinnes3699]

Brilliant! And what a great song! I wanted to be an engineer when I was little, but lost interest my first year of college. I couldn't seem to find enough happiness in it. Instead, I married a really smart girl who works for an architect and makes several times what I made when I was still working (retired now.) and I don't regret a single day. Thanks Reina! Love your music!

[@billrosenberg9987]

Well done Reina - you absolutely nailed the song! Great guitar work too. Well done!