This Land Is My Land: Lyrics, Chords, and the Enduring Legacy of Woody Guthrie's Anthem
"This Land Is My Land" is more than just a song; it's a powerful anthem embodying the spirit of American ideals and the struggles for equality and opportunity. Written by Woody Guthrie in 1940, its simple melody and evocative lyrics have resonated across generations, making it a timeless classic. This post delves into the lyrics, provides common chord progressions, and explores the song's enduring significance.
The Lyrics:
While variations exist, the most commonly known version of the lyrics goes as follows:
(Verse 1) This land is your land, this land is my land From California to the New York Island; From the Redwood forests to the Gulf Stream waters, This land was made for you and me.
(Verse 2) 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.
(Verse 3) I hear the birds singing, hear the lambs a-bleating I hear the wind blowing, hear the corn a-growing, I hear the cattle mooing; This land was made for you and me.
(Verse 4 - Often omitted, or replaced) This land is my land This land is my land This land is my land This land is my land
(Verse 5 - Often added) There was a big high wall there that tried to stop me; A sign was painted, it said "Private Property." But on the other side, it didn't say nothin'; This land was made for you and me.
Common Chord Progressions:
The song's simplicity makes it easy to learn, with many variations existing depending on the performer and arrangement. However, a frequently used and readily accessible chord progression is:
- Verse 1, 2, 3, & 5: G - C - G - D
- Chorus/Verse 4: G - D - G - D
This basic progression can be elaborated upon with added seventh chords, embellishments, and variations in strumming patterns to create a richer sound. You can find numerous tutorials online demonstrating different versions and strumming techniques.
The Significance of "This Land Is My Land":
Guthrie wrote the song as a response to Kate Smith's popular patriotic song, "God Bless America." He felt it romanticized America while ignoring the struggles of the working class and marginalized communities. His counterpoint, "This Land Is My Land," emphasized a more inclusive vision of America, accessible to all, regardless of background or social standing.
Beyond the Music: Exploring the Song's Themes:
- Inclusivity and Equality: The repeated phrase "This land was made for you and me" directly challenges notions of exclusion and private ownership, asserting a sense of shared belonging and equal access to the land's resources.
- Critique of Capitalism: The addition of the verse about the "Private Property" sign serves as a subtle, yet powerful, critique of unchecked capitalism and its impact on access to land and resources.
- Environmental Awareness: The imagery of natural landscapes—redwood forests, gulf stream waters, golden valleys—speaks to an inherent appreciation for the environment and its beauty.
"This Land Is My Land" continues to be sung at protests, rallies, and celebrations, demonstrating its enduring power as a symbol of hope, social justice, and shared heritage. Learning the chords and singing along is not simply playing a song; it's participating in a living legacy. Its simple yet profound message will continue to inspire generations to come.
