"Lend a Hand to the Farmers" by Willie Nelson & Marty Dread

Once again, Willie Nelson is making a real difference in the world with his music. Willie collaborated with Marty Dread to create a dynamic song with a passionate message. ''Lend a Hand to the Farmers'' is an exploration of new territory for the co-founder of FarmAid. Since its beginnings in 1985, FarmAid has granted over $15 million in aid to rural America and has helped thousands of struggling farm families across the country stay on the land.

When I was asked to make a video for this song, I deliberately chose images from the 1950s. The 1950s was the last decade during which small farmers in America were respected for their contribution, still had a say in things, and could make a living off the land. I grew up on a working farm in Appalachia and am proud of my heritage. I join with Willie Nelson and Marty Dread to ask for support for our nation's farmers. All images used in this video are in public domain with creative commons licenses.

Liz and Jay gave the following invitation on behalf of willienelsonpri: ''If you or anyone you know wants to use 'Lend a Hand to the Farmers' share and share alike soundtrack from Willie Nelson, please visit Willie Nelson Peace Research Institute for the free mp3 download: http://willienelsonpri.com/peace/6274/lend-a-hand-to-the-farmers-willie-nelso... Then contact us so we can feature you and your video on the Willie Nelson Peace Research Institute blog. Help our farmers and we help ourselves.''

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Willie
• Nelson
• Marty
• Dread
• Lend
• Hand
• Farmers
• willienelsonpri
• FarmAid
• Texas
• Virginia
• Appalachian
• Appalachia
• Blue
• Ridge
• 1950s
• farm
• rural
• America
• original
• music
• own
• song
• acoustic
• reggae
• Elvis
• Elvis Presley

[RHopenOtherSides]

I must have missed this one earlier, Suze. What a great vid. I grew up in the rural South so I can relate. I agree with everything this vid is and song is trying to say. Thanks for putting it together. -Ron

[suuzzee5]

@RHopenOtherSides Thank you for leaving such a positive, personal comment. It's a way of life long gone, I fear. It was my heritage and will always be where my heart returns for solace. Suze

[useryug]

Hi Suze. Very good vid... obviously some real thought gone into it. - Bit odd to hear Willie doin reggae, but he redeems himself towards the end!!

B x

[suuzzee5]

@useryug Hi Barry, always great to hear from you! Willie Nelson has a whole record of reggae. Can't remember when it was published, but it certainly is a different sound for him. I always think of him in terms of a Texas cowboy. You still on the road? Still having fun? You musicians lead a gypsy life. Suze

[sevenender]

wow what for a good tune..hear it the first time! cool vid

[useryug]

@suuzzee5 - Always sounds the Texas cowboy from here...

Yup, 5 gigs last week... We never go more than 100 miles from home, so we ain't real gypsies... always home to bed after gigs, bunch of oldies that we are!

I'll have to ask around 'bout Willie's reggae offering.

[reliablebow]

@suuzzee5 LOL!!!!

[suuzzee5]

@reliablebow Your comments and replies and music and lyrics and such, they always inspire. Bears waking up hungry and cranky, Michael...

Bears in the deep woods

Looking for food

Ignore me completely

I think that's good

[reliablebow]

@suuzzee5 Wow!..Love Your story about looking for arrowheads....My Grandfather would come in after walking in the corn fields along the river flats and usally have one or two...amazing life ain't it? Keep on walkin' in the free world:) Say hey to the bears....

[suuzzee5]

@longhairred Thanks so much! Greatly appreciate your feedback and comments on the video. It's a wonderful song with a fantastic message. Suze