"THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND" BY WOODY GUTHRIE
The song "This Land is Your Land" was written by American singer and songwriter Woody Guthrie in 1940 and is considered by many to be the greatest folk song in American history. Many of the lyrics in the original version of the song contain imagery and metaphors related to life in the United States during the Great Depression for working-class people. Guthrie wrote over 1000 songs, and influenced several other significant artists, including: Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Seeger, and many more. His entire catalogue of songs can be viewed on his official website.
"This Land is Your Land"
This land is your land This land is my land
From California to the New York island; From the red wood forest to the Gulf Stream waters This land was made for you and Me. As I was walking that ribbon of highway, I saw above me that endless skyway: I saw below me that golden valley: This land was made for you and me. I've roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts; And all around me a voice was sounding: This land was made for you and me. When the sun came shining, and I was strolling, And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling, As the fog was lifting a voice was chanting: This land was made for you and me. As I went walking I saw a sign there And on the sign it said "No Trespassing." But on the other side it didn't say nothing, That side was made for you and me. In the shadow of the steeple I saw my people, By the relief office I seen my people; As they stood there hungry, I stood there asking Is this land made for you and me? Nobody living can ever stop me, As I go walking that freedom highway; Nobody living can ever make me turn back This land was made for you and me. |
© Copyright 1956 (renewed), 1958 (renewed), 1970 and 1972 by Woody Guthrie Publications, Inc. & TRO-Ludlow Music, Inc. (BMI)