How Janis Ian wrote “Society’s Child”
Season 39
Episode 4
About the Episode
Janis Ian was inspired to write “Society’s Child” after observing an interracial couple on her school bus. Ian wrote the song at just 15 years old, imagining the societal pressures the couple may have been under.
Aired:
| Expires: | Runtime: 1m 10s
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Extras
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Gioncarlo Valentine: Exposures
Photographer Gioncarlo Valentine documents intimacy as a radical act of self-exploration.18:13 -
Janis Ian wrote “Some People’s Lives” as a tribute to her friend
Janis Ian wrote “Some People’s Lives” with songwriter Kye Fleming.3:02 -
Why Janis Ian’s song “At Seventeen” was so universally beloved
Janis Ian’s song “At Seventeen” spoke to audiences of all kinds and had a universal relevance.2:05 -
Janis Ian: Breaking Silence
Trace the life and music of “Society’s Child” folk icon and LGBTQ+ advocate Janis Ian.2:30 -
Sarah Thankam Mathews: After All This [Extended Audio Description]
Follow author Sarah Thankam Mathews as pressure mounts to follow up her acclaimed debut novel.17:58 -
Sarah Thankam Mathews: After All This [ASL]
Follow author Sarah Thankam Mathews as pressure mounts to follow up her acclaimed debut novel.15:37 -
Sarah Thankam Mathews: After All This
Follow author Sarah Thankam Mathews as pressure mounts to follow up her acclaimed debut novel.15:38 -
Camille A. Brown: Giant Steps [Extended Audio Description]
Follow the Broadway choreographer as she elevates the possible with bold explorations of movement.17:14 -
Camille A. Brown: Giant Steps [ASL]
Follow the Broadway choreographer as she elevates the possible with bold explorations of movement.15:25 -
Camille A. Brown: Giant Steps
Follow the Broadway choreographer as she elevates the possible with bold explorations of movement.15:25
![Sarah Thankam Mathews: After All This [Extended Audio Description]](https://cdn.grove.wgbh.org/dims4/default/bcdc0ea/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1920x1070+0+5/resize/280x156!/quality/70/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.pbs.org%2Fvideo-assets%2FIND5Jl2-asset-mezzanine-16x9-aX2Qnlf.jpg)
![Sarah Thankam Mathews: After All This [ASL]](https://cdn.grove.wgbh.org/dims4/default/5308bd3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1920x1070+0+5/resize/280x156!/quality/70/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.pbs.org%2Fvideo-assets%2FV0cukDW-asset-mezzanine-16x9-1yXcVc1.jpg)
![Camille A. Brown: Giant Steps [Extended Audio Description]](https://cdn.grove.wgbh.org/dims4/default/1baa1d2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1920x1070+0+5/resize/280x156!/quality/70/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.pbs.org%2Fvideo-assets%2FqsbWv1R-asset-mezzanine-16x9-en1YRFr.jpg)
![Camille A. Brown: Giant Steps [ASL]](https://cdn.grove.wgbh.org/dims4/default/e930822/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1920x1070+0+5/resize/280x156!/quality/70/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.pbs.org%2Fvideo-assets%2FqoEwy0z-asset-mezzanine-16x9-93mDYAm.jpg)
