This Land Is Your Land (Live 7
Arlo Guthrie & Pete Seeger Lyrics
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From [the] California to the [Staten] New York Island,
From the Redwood Forest, to the Gulf stream waters,
[God blessed America for me.]
As I went walking that ribbon of highway
And saw above me that endless skyway,
And saw below me the golden valley, I said:
[God blessed America for me.]
I roamed and rambled and followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts,
And all around me , a voice was sounding:
[God blessed America for me.]
Was a high wall there that tried to stop me
A sign was painted said: Private Property,
But on the back side it didn't say nothing
[God blessed America for me.]
When the sun come shining, then I was strolling
In wheat fields waving and dust clouds rolling;
The voice was chanting as the fog was lifting:
[God blessed America for me.]
One bright sunny morning in the shadow of the steeple
By the Relief Office I saw my people
As they stood hungry, I stood there wondering if
[God blessed America for me.]
The lyrics to "This Land is Your Land" can be interpreted as a celebration of the diversity and vast expanse of the United States. The first stanza establishes the idea that this land belongs to all Americans, from the west coast to the east coast, and highlights the natural beauty of the country, from the Redwood Forest to the Gulf stream waters. The repeated line "God blessed America for me" emphasizes the idea that this land is a gift and a blessing to its citizens.
The second stanza describes the singer's personal journey, walking along a highway and taking in the breathtaking scenery around them. The line "And all around me, a voice was sounding" suggests that the singer is not alone, and that others are also experiencing the beauty of this land. The third stanza touches on the theme of private property, but the message is that even though there may be barriers and obstacles, ultimately this land belongs to all of us.
The final stanza brings a sense of reality to the song, as the singer describes encountering poverty and hunger in their fellow Americans. This emphasizes the idea that while this land is a gift, it is not perfect and there are still issues that need to be addressed.
Line by Line Meaning
This land is your land, this land is my land
This land belongs to all of us, regardless of race, religion or ethnicity.
From [the] California to the [Staten] New York Island,
From the western coast of California to the eastern shores of Staten Island in New York.
From the Redwood Forest, to the Gulf stream waters,
From the tall trees of the Redwood forests to the warm waters of the Gulf streams.
[God blessed America for me.]
The beautiful landscape of America is a blessing that we should all appreciate.
As I went walking that ribbon of highway
As I walked along the road.
And saw above me that endless skyway,
And looked up to see the never-ending skyway above me.
And saw below me the golden valley, I said:
And looked down to see the beautiful golden valley below me and thought to myself.
[God blessed America for me.]
The beauty of America is a gift from God.
I roamed and rambled and followed my footsteps
I wandered around and traced my own steps.
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts,
I ended up at the shiny sands of her diamond-filled deserts.
And all around me , a voice was sounding:
And I heard a voice all around me saying.
[God blessed America for me.]
God's blessings are evident in the natural beauty of America.
Was a high wall there that tried to stop me
There was a tall wall that tried to block my way.
A sign was painted said: Private Property,
A sign was painted that indicated the area was for private use only.
But on the back side it didn't say nothing
But on the other side, the sign didn't say anything.
[God blessed America for me.]
Even with these obstacles present, America is still a blessing from God.
When the sun come shining, then I was strolling
When the sun shone, I was leisurely walking.
In wheat fields waving and dust clouds rolling;
I walked through wheat fields as the wheat waved and dust clouds rolled.
The voice was chanting as the fog was lifting:
I could hear a voice singing as the fog lifted.
[God blessed America for me.]
God's blessings are evident in the beauty of America, even when obscured by fog.
One bright sunny morning in the shadow of the steeple
On a bright and sunny morning near a church steeple.
By the Relief Office I saw my people
At the relief office, I saw people who are struggling.
As they stood hungry, I stood there wondering if
As they stood there hungry, I wondered whether.
[God blessed America for me.]
Despite the struggles of some Americans, the beauty of the land is still a blessing from God.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BUFFY SAINTE MARIE, KATHERINE LEE BATES, SAMUEL A. WARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gwynenglishnielsen8596
This tune definitely brings back elementary school. Classic folk music is an integral part of who we are in this country.
@edwindoetschman1269
America has such a deep debt owed to Woody and Pete. The time has come for all of us to truly appreciate what Golden gift these two gentlemen have been. Thank you!
@michaelhayden5264
Words to true. Two incredibly talented men.
@jmbaldwiniv
I just found this on youtube. Thank you so much for posting. As one who thoroughly enjoyed the summer of '69, as well as the years on either side, I don't believe this song or message will ever go out of style. Tx and my respects to all.
@bruceholtgren5611
What a great rendition of this wonderful song. I was lucky enough to see Arlo and Pete at Wolftrap, circa 1991. It remains one of my most cherished musical memories.
@bobmurphy8091
Hear it! Remember it! Celebrate it!!!! "This land is your land, this land is my land"...it belongs to ALL americans. No matter their color, creed or lifestyle, we are ALL Americans, and deserve that respect.
@deborahbarnes6741
👏👏👏👏👏
@winterstar3054
LOVE these guys--the music is so good.
Pete and Arlo have been SO good at speaking Truth to Power, with Love, for so long. Treasures!
@lindagail2306
“My job is to show folks there’s a lot of good music in this world, and if used right it may help to save the planet.” - Pete Seeger. RIP Pete, and thank you! May we now all carry it on.....
@hotforxx
Linda, while my political tastes are NOT on the same page as most of these HISTORIC folk singers, Mr. Seeger was a GIANT among musical folk singing giants. I also hope that he has found peace. He will forever be remembered with love and respect to his memory.