In the late '60s and early '70s, Baez came into her songwriting own, penning many songs (most notably "Diamonds & Rust," a nostalgic piece about her ill-fated romance with Bob Dylan, and "Sweet Sir Galahad," a song about sister Mimi Fariña's ( of Richard & Mimi Fariña fame) second marriage, and continued to meld her songcraft with topical issues. She was outspoken in her disapproval of the Vietnam war and later the CIA-backed coups in many Latin American countries.
She was also instrumental in the Civil Rights movement, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King on many occassions and being jailed for her beliefs. In 1963, her performance of "We Shall Overcome" at the Lincoln Memorial just prior to Dr. King's famous "I Have A Dream..." speech helped confirm the song as the Civil Rights anthem.
In December 1972, she traveled to Hanoi, North Vietnam, and was caught in that country's "Christmas Campaign," in which the U.S. bombed the city more times than any other during the entire war. While pregnant with her only son, Gabriel, she performed a handful of songs in the middle of the night on day one of the 1969 Woodstock festival. She is considered the "Queen of Folk" for being at the forefront of the 1960s folk revival and inspiring generations of female folksingers that followed. On July 28, 2019, following dates across Europe, Baez performed her final concert at Madrid's Teatro Real. In January 2021, Baez received a 2020 Kennedy Center Honor.
Joe Hill
Joan Baez Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Alive as you and me
Says I "But Joe, you're ten years dead"
"I never died" says he
"I never died" says he
"The copper bosses killed you, Joe"
"They shot you Joe" says I
Says Joe "I didn't die"
Says Joe "I didn't die"
And standing there, as big as life
And smiling with his eyes
Says Joe "What they can never kill
Went on to organize
Went on to organize"
From San Diego up to Maine
In every mine and mill
Where working folks defend their rights
It's there you find Joe Hill
It's there you find Joe Hill
I dreamed I saw, I dreamed I saw, Joe Hill last night
Alive as you and me
Says I "But Joe, you're ten years dead"
"I never died" says he, "I never died" says he
"I never died" says he"
The song "Joe Hill" by Joan Baez is about the labor activist and songwriter Joe Hill, who was executed in Utah in 1915 after being convicted of murder. In the song, the singer dreams that she sees Joe Hill alive and well, despite being dead for ten years. When she tells him that he was killed by the copper bosses, Hill responds by saying that it takes more than guns to kill a man and that he did not die. He goes on to say that what cannot be killed is the spirit of the working people, which he helped to organize and empower.
The song is a tribute to Joe Hill and his legacy as a champion of workers' rights. The lyrics suggest that he lives on through the efforts of those who continue to fight for social justice and the rights of the working class. Hill's message is one of resilience and perseverance in the face of oppression, and his spirit is said to live on in the hearts of all those who continue to work towards a more just and equitable society.
Line by Line Meaning
I dreamed, I saw Joe Hill last night
The singer had a dream where they saw Joe Hill, a union organizer and activist.
Alive as you and me
Joe appeared in the singer's dream as a living person.
Says I "But Joe, you're ten years dead"
The singer questions Joe's presence, as he has been dead for 10 years.
"I never died" says he
Joe responds by claiming that he never truly died.
"The copper bosses killed you, Joe"
The artist reminds Joe that he was killed by the copper bosses.
"They shot you Joe" says I
The singer explains that Joe was shot by the copper bosses.
"Takes more than guns to kill a man"
Joe explains that it takes more than death to truly kill someone's spirit or message.
Says Joe "I didn't die"
Joe affirms that his message and spirit did not die.
"And standing there, as big as life"
Joe appears in the artist's dream as a vivid, real presence.
And smiling with his eyes
Joe looks happy and content in the artist's dream.
"Says Joe 'What they can never kill
Joe asserts that his message or cause cannot be truly silenced or eradicated.
Went on to organize
Joe's organizational efforts continued beyond his death.
From San Diego up to Maine
Joe's legacy and impact spread across the United States.
In every mine and mill
Joe's message and presence could be felt in every workplace.
Where working folks defend their rights
Joe's legacy is particularly present in places where workers are fighting for their rights.
It's there you find Joe Hill
In these workplaces and movements, Joe's impact can still be seen and felt.
I dreamed I saw, I dreamed I saw, Joe Hill last night
The artist concludes their dream by repeating the opening lines.
Alive as you and me
Joe appears in the singer's dream as a living, breathing person.
"I never died" says he, "I never died" says he
Joe reiterates that his spirit and message have not truly died.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PHIL OCHS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Research0digo
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Being a (former) Journeyman carpenter (Local 2078), this is one of my favorite songs.
To this day Mor(m)ons loathe the very idea of Unions.
So do many many pew-warmers (Christians).
God bless you Joan and all the other 'protest' artists. We got the Vietnam MESS ended.
Nanette Ward
Kurt Nowak
Being part of the Woodstock generation I always wondered why Joan sang this song. After some research I was able to understand the importance of her choosing this song for her appearance to spread the message. One person spreading the word can make a difference.❤
peaches B- Georgia
My husband was union and now my son...a beautiful tribute to those who fought for the rights of all...
Nicholas Fuller
No one ever sang this song more movingly than Joan Baez.
Another Time
I always think of my father, a union man to the end, the man who taught me what solidarity means.
eight inches
Such a golden voice.
Norman Linden
This is my favorite song of hers.
Research0digo
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Being a (former) Journeyman carpenter (Local 2078), this is one of my favorite songs.
To this day Mor(m)ons loathe the very idea of Unions.
So do many many pew-warmers (Christians).
God bless you Joan and all the other 'protest' artists. We got the Vietnam MESS ended.
Nanette Ward
Endrock 9
I know your comment is nearly a year old, but what do Mormons have to do with this at all. And I'd love to know why you think they "loathe," unions. Just seems kind of abstract to roast Christians out of nowhere. I'm sure an intelligent journeyman carpenter like yourself could help me understand.
chrisbayridge1
Solidarity Brother! - Carpenters Shop Steward Local 157 NYC
Catherine Smith
As a now retired member of AFSCME (and 36 years as a UNION Steward) it's one of my favorites also! Solidarity forever!