This Land Is Your Land
Peter Paul And Mary Lyrics

The song "This Land Is Your Land" by Peter, Paul and Mary is a patriotic song that celebrates the beauty and bounty of America. The song describes the vastness and diversity of the country, from the East Coast to the West Coast, from the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters. The singer expresses a sense of wanderlust and freedom as they roam and ramble across America, admiring the natural beauty of the landscape and feeling a sense of belonging to this great land. The song suggests that America belongs to all of its citizens, and encourages people to take pride in the nation's natural and cultural heritage.

The song has become an iconic symbol of American patriotism and unity, and has been used in many political and cultural contexts. It has been sung by protesters, civil rights activists, and labor unions, as well as at sporting events and political rallies. The song's message of inclusivity and appreciation for America's natural beauty has resonated with generations of Americans.

One interesting fact about the song is that it was originally written by Woody Guthrie, an American folk singer and songwriter, in 1940. The song was originally titled "God Bless America for Me," and was intended to be a critical response to Irving Berlin's "God Bless America," which Guthrie felt was overly sentimental and patriotic. Guthrie originally wrote the song as a response to the Depression-era poverty he witnessed while traveling across the country, and as a celebration of the hard-working people who struggled to make a living.

Another interesting fact is that the song was not widely known or recorded until the 1960s, when it became associated with the folk revival movement and the counterculture. Peter, Paul and Mary's version of the song was released in 1962, and quickly became a hit on both the folk and pop charts. Since then, the song has been covered by countless musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and Lady Gaga.

The chords for "This Land Is Your Land" are:

Verse:
G D Em C
This land is your land, this land is my land
G D C G
From California, to the New York Island
G D Em C
From the Redwood Forest, to the Gulf Stream Waters
G D C G
This land was made for you and me

Chorus:
G D Em C
As I was walking that ribbon of highway
G D C G
I saw above me that endless skyway
G D Em C
I saw below me that golden valley
G D C G
This land was made for you and me.