He is my favourite folk artist... I absolutley love this guy's stuff. And this is coming from a 27 year old Canadian guy. You just don't get folk musicians this in touch with reality anymore you know?
@milnoid sorry, i guess you don't realise its a joke. In the song i mentioned, the singer even says "... And i just ripped off a man named Woody Guthrie..."
I saw a documentary on TV once, with different people doing Woody's songs. You can see some of them on here, like Arlo and Emmylou doing Deportees. But I cannt find video of John Cougar doing this song, it was Brilliant. Anyone help?
My grandfather was an Arkie, my grandmother an Oakie, and they made it California in the second wave of immigration to work for the war effort. WW II was the best thing that ever happened to them. Thank God for it too, otherwise I'd have been born in Shawnee OK! : )
If you look through the Guthrie songs on my page, you'll find two songs called Tom Joad Parts 1 & Part 2 in which Woody retells Grapes of Wrath. When he wrote them, Steinbeck said, "Damn, he took a something I spent two years writing and made it into a six minute song." -paraphrased
Okay, so I can't resist one more: If you wanna learn about a REAL died-in-the-wool Leftist, read about Will Geer--yup, Grampa Walton himself--who was blacklisted for his Communist roots in the '50s. He was a great friend of Woody's.
Woody's love was for the "common man" as was Thomas Paine's, and THAT is where his politics lie. He liked the fact that, when California was in the hands of corrupt politicians, it was communist volunteer workers that worked the hardest for opposition candidates, stuffing envelopes, etc. When asked if he had any problem with "left wing, " he said, "Left wing, chicken wing, it's all the same to me." He cared about the people, and whatever poitics best helped them, he supported.
@tellemstevedave37 How happy Woody would be if he were alive today to see key fascist legislation struck down as unconstitutional: Obama's Health Care Plan, which is big-government telling us folks what we have to do--or else! If you have to force people to take what's supposedly for their own good, then how can it be for their own good?! You don't insure 40 million by taking over the WHOLE industry and creating a government-run monopoly that would only stifle competition and quality...
@MrNickGir Well in fact he was very close to the American Communist Party and had a mostly socialistic political point of few. But in the case of Woody Guthrie its not that easy to make out a certain dogma he followed throughout his whole life. He was changing mind quite often when it came to supporting or opposing WW2 and in other things as well. I think and thats what I kind of admire about him, he never gave a damn thing what others said and did what he thought was right.
@tasedlak I'm 62 now. When I was 15 years old I was singing and plucking a banjo at a grade school "fair" in Fort Smith Arkansas. Afterwards a local preacher came up to me and said: "I like your music but wish you wouldn't sing them communist songs. I was shocked. I didn't even know what a communist was (and I don't think he did either). The die was cast. I found out what a communist was and discovered I was one; root and fruit. Still am, Always will be. Proud of it.
Thanks for sharing, cfortnerXYZ. You should be proud. I love my communist brothers and sisters but believe anarchist better describes my beliefs. I'm always looking back to Catalonia.
The ultimate goal is the abolition of capitalism, and we're 100% together on this. I just fear governments. We've seen too many hide behind the label of communism when they're really fascist. Hopefully, socialism will grow into something beautiful in Venezuela, Bolivia, and the rest of Latin America.
It's a system in which the goal for each individual is to hoard as much wealth as possible, which means taking wealth that others need to fulfill basic needs. Basically, equality can't be gained in a capitalist system.
@tasedlak I pretty much agree with you. on the other hand capitalism is an economical term; musn't be applied to politics. that's why everything gets all messy. there have to be a social-democratic government to regulate capitalist economy, and seriously socially-involved civil organizations. there's no good regime without large communal involvement.
Economic systems can't be separated from politics because governments, and those who control governments, decide on and control the economic systems of their nations.
@tasedlak capitalist economy went over power of government gradually as nature of it, yes, I agree with that. I believe I'm more into terms, while you go with practical facts. I have to see your point and simply agree. best regards.
He was a true American fighting for truth, justice, fair play, and workers rights for a livable wage, Unionism and fought Fascism. He wrote the words on his guitar that it killed Fascists, well so does this keyboard. Just bagged two of them yesterday
RIP: Woody the struggle continues, we will never give up or give in!!!
Woody didn't use a name to define his political beliefs. However, a dissection of his work shows a strong connection with the ideas that Alexander Berkman explained in What is Anarchism? His staunch union support relates to the collectivism seen in Anarchist societies. He wrote for a socialist paper. The socialists will claim him, as they will Vonnegut and Orwell, but I won't let them steal my heroes.
@tasedlak Actually Woody Guthrie was definately a socialist or even communist. First of all he was black listed as being a communist and second of all he said "the best thing that I did in 1936 was to sign up with the Communist Party" He didn't actualy join it but he became a "fellow Traveler" who is someone who supports the party but isn't subject to party discipline. Im not gunna let anarchists take him from us, I wouldn't really have to though, he wouldn't want to go.
I got no problem with socialists. They are my brothers in the struggle to abolish capitalism. However, a close examination of Woody Guthrie's beliefs show him to be more anarchist in other areas, or at particular times, more socialist at others.
The "fellow Traveler" fact you point out links him more closely with anarchism.
Using the fact that one was black listed as a suspected communist proves nothing, however.
One thing we can agree on: Woody was one heck of a poet.
@tasedlak Also collectivism and worker's control is the main point of Socialism and comunism, the IWW back in the early 1900s were communists, it just now has fallen along anarchist lines.
No doubt, Anarchists & Socialists have the collectivism aspect in common. It links us. We don't, however, subscribe to government as socialists do.
Certainly not true on the IWW point. Google "Anarchist Catalonia," read Orwell's "Homage to Catalonia, anything Emma Goldman wrote on the Spanish Civil War, check Chomsky, there's even a good documentary on youtube somewhere on Anarchists in Spain during that time with the actual people.
@visionsofed - Nice observation these Un-Americans label Pro-Working Americans with these scary labels to make you live in fear that way you can be controlled oldest trick in the book gong back well over 2,500. that would be twenty five thousand years ago, same ole trick to fool and control you with fear and labels. Do you make a livable wage? Safety on the job? Health if you get sick? Health covers you all the way> No pre-existing conditions? If not you are not free, just like Woody said it
@foamy1graff He was a true American fighting for truth, justice, fair play, and workers rights for a livable wage, Unionism and fought Fascism. He wrote the words on his guitar that it killed Fascists, well so does this keyboard. Just bagged two of them yesterday
RIP: Woody the struggle continues, we will never give up or give in!!!
I am a 4th generation Californian and let me tell you it is an absolute paradise but just like ol Woodie says "you wont find it so hot if you aint got that do re mi!". Awesome song.
@gringoflamenco I just came back from visiting my family from Salinas, Ca. My parents lived in the part of town known as Okie-Town. It's the birthplace of Steinbeck and the final destination of many of the Okies that Guthrie song about, and yes his songs are as relevent today as they were 70 some years ago
Bring it back to the iPhone I can't watch it on my iPhone
dacreepahh 1 month ago
Musicology brought me here!!
Neehow901 4 months ago
@Neehow901 By Prince?!
TheRacistsMustDie 1 month ago in playlist Woody Guthrie Playlist
What a tune.
hXcPegz 4 months ago
He is my favourite folk artist... I absolutley love this guy's stuff. And this is coming from a 27 year old Canadian guy. You just don't get folk musicians this in touch with reality anymore you know?
mattymraz 4 months ago
And, I gave a beer to a bum that was drinking!
riddlenet 6 months ago 6
@riddlenet I gave some sauce to my bestest friend for cooking!
punkclash05 5 months ago 8
I seen Uncle Sam in a dust bowl, y'all!!
motelcalifornia 6 months ago
This song still holds true today.
carlosantenna 7 months ago 3
Amen brother, pass the soup.
crifoter69 7 months ago 2
I think this guy ripped off andrew jackson jihad (list to their song "survival")
SVOkid86 9 months ago
@SVOkid86 Read a little history.
milnoid 9 months ago
@milnoid i think you should check out the song
SVOkid86 9 months ago
@SVOkid86 Sorry, it just seems that you don't realise that Woody Guthrie wrote this song at least 60 years ago.
milnoid 9 months ago
@milnoid sorry, i guess you don't realise its a joke. In the song i mentioned, the singer even says "... And i just ripped off a man named Woody Guthrie..."
SVOkid86 9 months ago
@SVOkid86 And I bought a restaurant for his son and Alice!
Ferrellmusic 7 months ago
@Ferrellmusic and i fed false information to the audience!
SVOkid86 7 months ago 2
@SVOkid86 @Ferrellmusic That's how I learned how to survive!
Ferrellmusic 7 months ago 3
@SVOkid86 i got the joke, ajj is bad ass
facepalmsociety15 6 months ago 2
This guy was the man.
BlackSabbathory 9 months ago
I saw a documentary on TV once, with different people doing Woody's songs. You can see some of them on here, like Arlo and Emmylou doing Deportees. But I cannt find video of John Cougar doing this song, it was Brilliant. Anyone help?
smeghead1001 10 months ago
One and only.
fngrpkn06 1 year ago
Comment removed
jtaft57 1 year ago
My grandfather was an Arkie, my grandmother an Oakie, and they made it California in the second wave of immigration to work for the war effort. WW II was the best thing that ever happened to them. Thank God for it too, otherwise I'd have been born in Shawnee OK! : )
kyrgyzstanification 1 year ago
@kyrgyzstanification "thank god"? millions upon millions were killed, maimed, widowed and orphaned.... "thank god" the war benifited you.
0ddj0e 1 year ago
@kyrgyzstanification uhh hope you know its spelled 'okie'
BrandiMonsterRAWR 11 months ago
cool tasedlak, thanks.
the book was way cooler than i thought it'd be.
its crazy how contemporary the issues are.
i've grazed over the comments piling up here, and they seem politically heated...
which is good to an extent.
but eventually it feels constraining, deliberating over concepts.
not this song though.
this song jus keeps on a-buzzin thru.
goukenn1 1 year ago
just finished reading the grapes of wrath.
this song is just like the grapes of wrath.
so awesome.
goukenn1 1 year ago 11
@goukenn1
If you look through the Guthrie songs on my page, you'll find two songs called Tom Joad Parts 1 & Part 2 in which Woody retells Grapes of Wrath. When he wrote them, Steinbeck said, "Damn, he took a something I spent two years writing and made it into a six minute song." -paraphrased
tasedlak 1 year ago 4
@goukenn1 Guthrie’s talking the same events. It makes me ashamed to be a Californian . . . What was done to those poor people . . .
ARP7777777 10 months ago
Okay, so I can't resist one more: If you wanna learn about a REAL died-in-the-wool Leftist, read about Will Geer--yup, Grampa Walton himself--who was blacklisted for his Communist roots in the '50s. He was a great friend of Woody's.
jtaft57 1 year ago 3
Woody's love was for the "common man" as was Thomas Paine's, and THAT is where his politics lie. He liked the fact that, when California was in the hands of corrupt politicians, it was communist volunteer workers that worked the hardest for opposition candidates, stuffing envelopes, etc. When asked if he had any problem with "left wing, " he said, "Left wing, chicken wing, it's all the same to me." He cared about the people, and whatever poitics best helped them, he supported.
jtaft57 1 year ago 3
I'm a lefty/socialist and a lover of folk music! i love Woody Guthrie, he is one of my heroes!
tellemstevedave37 1 year ago
@tellemstevedave37 How happy Woody would be if he were alive today to see key fascist legislation struck down as unconstitutional: Obama's Health Care Plan, which is big-government telling us folks what we have to do--or else! If you have to force people to take what's supposedly for their own good, then how can it be for their own good?! You don't insure 40 million by taking over the WHOLE industry and creating a government-run monopoly that would only stifle competition and quality...
jtaft57 1 year ago
@MrNickGir Well in fact he was very close to the American Communist Party and had a mostly socialistic political point of few. But in the case of Woody Guthrie its not that easy to make out a certain dogma he followed throughout his whole life. He was changing mind quite often when it came to supporting or opposing WW2 and in other things as well. I think and thats what I kind of admire about him, he never gave a damn thing what others said and did what he thought was right.
chaot111 1 year ago
Or it's just admitting the truth. He did write for a socialist newspaper. And, of course, you ain't done nothin' if you ain't been called a red.
tasedlak 1 year ago 4
@tasedlak I'm 62 now. When I was 15 years old I was singing and plucking a banjo at a grade school "fair" in Fort Smith Arkansas. Afterwards a local preacher came up to me and said: "I like your music but wish you wouldn't sing them communist songs. I was shocked. I didn't even know what a communist was (and I don't think he did either). The die was cast. I found out what a communist was and discovered I was one; root and fruit. Still am, Always will be. Proud of it.
cfortnerXYZ 1 year ago 6
Thanks for sharing, cfortnerXYZ. You should be proud. I love my communist brothers and sisters but believe anarchist better describes my beliefs. I'm always looking back to Catalonia.
The ultimate goal is the abolition of capitalism, and we're 100% together on this. I just fear governments. We've seen too many hide behind the label of communism when they're really fascist. Hopefully, socialism will grow into something beautiful in Venezuela, Bolivia, and the rest of Latin America.
tasedlak 1 year ago
@tasedlak whats wrong with capitalism?
mikess56 9 months ago
@mikess56
It's a system in which the goal for each individual is to hoard as much wealth as possible, which means taking wealth that others need to fulfill basic needs. Basically, equality can't be gained in a capitalist system.
tasedlak 9 months ago
@tasedlak I pretty much agree with you. on the other hand capitalism is an economical term; musn't be applied to politics. that's why everything gets all messy. there have to be a social-democratic government to regulate capitalist economy, and seriously socially-involved civil organizations. there's no good regime without large communal involvement.
butimar68 9 months ago
@butimar68
Economic systems can't be separated from politics because governments, and those who control governments, decide on and control the economic systems of their nations.
tasedlak 9 months ago
@tasedlak capitalist economy went over power of government gradually as nature of it, yes, I agree with that. I believe I'm more into terms, while you go with practical facts. I have to see your point and simply agree. best regards.
butimar68 8 months ago
"I ain't necessarily a communist, but I always been in the red." Woody Guthrie
kelanaweiss 1 year ago
He was a true American fighting for truth, justice, fair play, and workers rights for a livable wage, Unionism and fought Fascism. He wrote the words on his guitar that it killed Fascists, well so does this keyboard. Just bagged two of them yesterday
RIP: Woody the struggle continues, we will never give up or give in!!!
persevere4 1 year ago
ANDREW JACKSON JIHAD - Survival (also called Survival Song)
Just listen to it - it might sound familiar to this.
RdSoxFan618 1 year ago
Oklahoma is a garden of Eden.
Bradylama 1 year ago
Superb!!
carrywet 1 year ago
was he an anarchist?
foamy1graff 1 year ago
Woody didn't use a name to define his political beliefs. However, a dissection of his work shows a strong connection with the ideas that Alexander Berkman explained in What is Anarchism? His staunch union support relates to the collectivism seen in Anarchist societies. He wrote for a socialist paper. The socialists will claim him, as they will Vonnegut and Orwell, but I won't let them steal my heroes.
tasedlak 1 year ago 3
@tasedlak Actually Woody Guthrie was definately a socialist or even communist. First of all he was black listed as being a communist and second of all he said "the best thing that I did in 1936 was to sign up with the Communist Party" He didn't actualy join it but he became a "fellow Traveler" who is someone who supports the party but isn't subject to party discipline. Im not gunna let anarchists take him from us, I wouldn't really have to though, he wouldn't want to go.
Hilldebrand 1 year ago
@Hilldebrand
I got no problem with socialists. They are my brothers in the struggle to abolish capitalism. However, a close examination of Woody Guthrie's beliefs show him to be more anarchist in other areas, or at particular times, more socialist at others.
The "fellow Traveler" fact you point out links him more closely with anarchism.
Using the fact that one was black listed as a suspected communist proves nothing, however.
One thing we can agree on: Woody was one heck of a poet.
tasedlak 1 year ago
@Hilldebrand
anarchy and communism can be together
foamy1graff 1 year ago
@tasedlak Also collectivism and worker's control is the main point of Socialism and comunism, the IWW back in the early 1900s were communists, it just now has fallen along anarchist lines.
Hilldebrand 1 year ago
@Hilldebrand
No doubt, Anarchists & Socialists have the collectivism aspect in common. It links us. We don't, however, subscribe to government as socialists do.
Certainly not true on the IWW point. Google "Anarchist Catalonia," read Orwell's "Homage to Catalonia, anything Emma Goldman wrote on the Spanish Civil War, check Chomsky, there's even a good documentary on youtube somewhere on Anarchists in Spain during that time with the actual people.
tasedlak 1 year ago
@foamy1graff It doesn't matter what he was. The only thing he was to me was a great american who stood up for his fellow americans.
visionsofed 1 year ago
@visionsofed - Nice observation these Un-Americans label Pro-Working Americans with these scary labels to make you live in fear that way you can be controlled oldest trick in the book gong back well over 2,500. that would be twenty five thousand years ago, same ole trick to fool and control you with fear and labels. Do you make a livable wage? Safety on the job? Health if you get sick? Health covers you all the way> No pre-existing conditions? If not you are not free, just like Woody said it
persevere4 1 year ago
@foamy1graff He was a true American fighting for truth, justice, fair play, and workers rights for a livable wage, Unionism and fought Fascism. He wrote the words on his guitar that it killed Fascists, well so does this keyboard. Just bagged two of them yesterday
RIP: Woody the struggle continues, we will never give up or give in!!!
persevere4 1 year ago
did woodie guthrie use a pick on this you think? or just finger pickin?
michelledgabriel 1 year ago
one of the greatest artists this country has ever 'produced'.
tedquinn 1 year ago
Happy Birthday Woody...you will live forever in your music.
eveninglightwriter 1 year ago 3
keep the aura of the hometown is touching.
cupakay 1 year ago
The californians were so screwy during this time.
cjipsan 2 years ago
there's gonna b even better music in the world's ultradepression!!!! i feel like the whole worlds gonna b a fuckin dust bowl pretty damn soon!
eatmyface1234 2 years ago
I am a 4th generation Californian and let me tell you it is an absolute paradise but just like ol Woodie says "you wont find it so hot if you aint got that do re mi!". Awesome song.
mm5428 2 years ago
The original is still the best! Hope they don't pull this.
fastfeat 2 years ago 3
its a good song no wonder dylan looked up to him an inspiration to our times a artist we forgot that we should not
Bloodravendude 2 years ago 22
I'm a third generation Californian, my grandpa was from Texas. In these New Depression times, this song rings so true.
California aint so hot if you aint got that dough ray me
gringoflamenco 2 years ago 34
@gringoflamenco I just came back from visiting my family from Salinas, Ca. My parents lived in the part of town known as Okie-Town. It's the birthplace of Steinbeck and the final destination of many of the Okies that Guthrie song about, and yes his songs are as relevent today as they were 70 some years ago
visionsofed 1 year ago
great great great
hartabe 2 years ago 2