“This Land is Your Land,” written by Woody Guthrie in 1940 and released in 1951, is one of America’s most iconic folk songs. Often considered an alternative national anthem, the song expresses Guthrie’s vision of inclusivity and social justice. Originally conceived as a response to Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” Guthrie’s lyrics highlight both the beauty and inequality of the American landscape, making it a complex yet hopeful statement about the country’s values and promises.

About The Song

• Lyrics Interpretation: The lyrics of “This Land is Your Land” are a celebration of America’s natural beauty and diversity, but they also contain subtle critiques of inequality and social injustice. While verses like “From California to the New York Island, from the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters” emphasize the vastness of the country, other lesser-known verses reveal Guthrie’s frustration with poverty and exclusion. Lines like “As I went walking, I saw a sign there / And on the sign it said ‘No Trespassing’” suggest that not all Americans have equal access to the land’s riches.
• Songwriting Inspiration: Woody Guthrie wrote “This Land is Your Land” as a counterpoint to the patriotic sentiment of “God Bless America,” which he felt was overly idealistic and ignored the struggles of the working class. Guthrie, who traveled across the United States during the Great Depression, witnessed firsthand the disparities in wealth and opportunity. His lyrics reflect his belief that America should be a place of equality and opportunity for all, not just a privileged few.
• Cultural Impact: “This Land is Your Land” became an anthem for various social movements, including the labor rights movement and the civil rights movement. Its message of inclusivity and shared ownership of the land resonated deeply with those fighting for equality and justice. Over time, the song has been embraced by people across the political spectrum, serving as both a patriotic ode and a reminder of the need to fulfill the promise of equality. The song’s universal message has made it a staple in American culture, performed at schools, rallies, and national events.
• Song Legacy: “This Land is Your Land” remains one of Woody Guthrie’s most enduring songs, frequently cited as one of the greatest folk songs of all time. Its influence extends beyond music, as it has been used in social and political contexts to advocate for justice, equality, and the rights of the marginalized. The song has been covered by countless artists, including Pete Seeger, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan, each bringing their own interpretation to its timeless message.
• Cover Versions: Over the years, “This Land is Your Land” has been covered by a wide range of artists, from folk musicians to rock bands, each bringing their unique voice to Guthrie’s classic. Notable versions include renditions by Bruce Springsteen, who performed the song at the Lincoln Memorial during President Barack Obama’s inaugural celebration in 2009, and Pete Seeger, who often sang the song as a call to unity and social change. These performances have helped keep the song relevant for new generations, ensuring that its message of inclusivity and equality continues to resonate.

“This Land is Your Land” is more than just a folk song—it’s a reminder of the ideals America aspires to achieve. With its blend of celebration and critique, Woody Guthrie’s classic challenges listeners to recognize both the beauty and the inequalities that exist within the country. Its lasting appeal and powerful message ensure that it will remain an anthem for unity and social justice for years to come.

Video

Lyric

[Verse 1]
This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream Waters
This land was made for you and me

[Verse 1]
As I went walking that ribbon of highway
I saw above me that endless skyway
Saw below me that golden valley
This land was made for you and me

[Verse 2]
I roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts
All around me a voice was sounding
This land was made for you and me

[Verse 3]
As the sun was shining, and I was strolling
And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling
A voice come chanting as the fog was lifting
This land was made for you and me

[Chorus]
This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream Waters
This land was made for you and me

[Verse 4]
When the sun comes shining then I was strolling
And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling
A voice come chanting as the fog was lifting
This land was made for you and me

——————

The following verses are not included in this recording

[Verse 4]
As I was walkin’ I saw a sign there
And that sign said “No trespassin’”
But on the other side …. it didn’t say nothin!
Now that side was made for you and me!

[Verse 6]
In the squares of the city In the shadow of the steeple
Near the relief office I see my people
And some are grumblin’ and some are wonderin’
If this land’s still made for you and me