This Land Is Your Land
The Seekers Lyrics
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From California to the New York island
From the Redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me
As I was walking that ribbon of highway
I saw above me that endless skyway
I saw below me that golden valley
I've roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts
And all around me, a voice was sounding
This land was made for you and me
When the sun came shining and I was strolling
And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling
As the fog was lifting, a voice was chanting
This land was made for you and me
As I went walking, I saw a sign there
On the sign it said 'No Trespassing'
But on the other side it didn't say nothing
That side was made for you and me!
In the shadow of the steeple I saw my people
By the relief office, I seen my people
As they stood there hungry I stood there asking
Is this land made for you and me?
Nobody living can ever stop me
As I go walking that freedom highway
Nobody living can make me turn back
This land was made for you and me
The Seekers' version of "This Land is Your Land" is a cover of Woody Guthrie's original song, which is considered an American classic. The song is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of America, and it acknowledges that the land belongs to all people regardless of their background or status. The first verse sets the tone for the entire song, as it mentions various landmarks and natural wonders from coast to coast, highlighting the vastness and grandeur of the country. The chorus reaffirms that this land was made for everyone, echoing the idea of equality and opportunity.
The second verse has a more personal touch, as the singer talks about his own experiences exploring the country. He feels a sense of belonging and wonder as he travels through different landscapes, and hears a voice that seems to affirm his connection to the land. The third verse takes a more critical turn, as the singer encounters a sign that says "No Trespassing," which suggests that some people are excluded from the land. However, he finds comfort in the fact that there is still a side that belongs to everyone, regardless of the arbitrary boundaries set by others.
The final verse is a declaration of independence and defiance, as the singer proclaims his determination to keep walking the "freedom highway." He acknowledges that there may be obstacles and opposition, but he is convinced that this land was meant for him and all people. In this way, the song becomes a powerful anthem for social justice and inclusivity, embodying the American ideals of democracy and equality.
Line by Line Meaning
This land is your land, this land is my land
This land belongs to all of us, not just one person or group.
From California to the New York island
This land spans across America from the west coast to the east coast.
From the Redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land includes natural wonders like tall trees and mighty bodies of water.
This land was made for you and me
This land was created for everyone to enjoy and use in equal measure.
As I was walking that ribbon of highway
While on a journey, I traversed a winding path that stretched out into the distance.
I saw above me that endless skyway
I saw the vast expanse of sky that seemed to stretch out without end.
I saw below me that golden valley
I observed a beautiful and lively valley teeming with life and potential.
I've roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps
I've wandered and explored while reflecting on my past actions and journey.
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts
I ventured into the sandy deserts filled with sparkling gems and minerals.
And all around me, a voice was sounding
I heard a voice echoing all around me that seemed to speak to the beauty and majesty of the land.
When the sun came shining and I was strolling
As the sunlight shone brightly while I walked leisurely.
And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling
As the wind blew through the fields of wheat, kicking up clouds of dust.
As the fog was lifting, a voice was chanting
As the mist cleared and lifted, I heard a voice singing a song of praise for the land.
As I went walking, I saw a sign there
While on my walk, I came upon a sign posted nearby.
On the sign it said 'No Trespassing'
The sign bore a message that prohibited entry or crossing onto an area in question.
But on the other side it didn't say nothing
However, on the reverse side of the sign, there was no such instruction given.
That side was made for you and me!
Therefore, that other side was intended for everyone to freely use and enjoy.
In the shadow of the steeple I saw my people
Near a tall and spired building, I saw my fellow Americans.
By the relief office, I seen my people
Near the office of public assistance, I saw many of my fellow countrymen in need.
As they stood there hungry I stood there asking
While they stood there hungry and in need, I questioned why they were not receiving the help they required.
Is this land made for you and me?
I wondered if the land was truly intended to benefit and provide for all its inhabitants equally.
Nobody living can ever stop me
No one alive can prevent or hinder my continued journey and exploration.
As I go walking that freedom highway
As I journey along the path of freedom and liberty.
Nobody living can make me turn back
No person can force me to abandon my quest or redirect my journey.
This land was made for you and me
The land is intended to be enjoyed and treasured equally by all its inhabitants with no exception.
Contributed by Lucas F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@michaeltriba1307
Hi again rich963! Once again, I commend and congratulate you for keeping the music of the incredible Seekers alive for my generation and future generations! 😁💖👍👍👍 I was born in 1950, so I grew up in the main era of Judith, Athol, Bruce, and Keith. But in the 60's during my teen years, I mostly embraced the music of The Moody Blues, Beatles, Bee Gees; and rock and roll and pop. However, now in my early 70's I have finally grown up and fully embraced The Seekers. No offense to big fans of The Beatles (whom I also love), but for me The Seekers are the Greatest Band who ever lived! I am so happy that all of them are still living, and I hope they all outlive me. I am now making up for decades of lost time by listening to this beautiful group each and every day for the rest of my life! God bless you and The Seekers, good sir! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 P.S. IMHO this is the BEST cover ever made of this iconic song, and I will send this link far and wide to all my family and friends, and strongly recommend they subscibe to your channel! 😁💖😁💖
@carolbozek1625
My appreciation for your beautiful music for so many years! ❤️ and my condolences for the loss of
Judith. A kind and wonderful person and artist RIP 🙏🏽🌹
@albertochoa7331
I'm a big Beatles fan. I really like the Seekers. There healthy & wholesome to listen to. Keep it coming.
@pauldasen5868
Lovely song.. all of them. The Seekers, through their songs made the globe, "this land (was made) for you and me."
@hilakummins3104
Big fan too! 🤗 62 years OLD 🦕 This great song is beautiful by Guthrie, Seeger & Springsteen (at the capitol) plus many others. But these folks were really something special! I never heard them sing this before, but I love it's upbeat tempo & cool video 🥰 They remind me of PP&M and Mama's & Papas. Ah, her voice!
Like them or not, you gotta respect the 🎶 from the 60's & the intent behind it -- nothing like it 🙏✌️👣
@andreheemskerk1
Judith has such a beautiful voice
@jeffmccoy1700
Her voice - right there among the very, very best of the pop-rock era.
@G6JPG
Not included on this track though!
@mslewis64
A fan of this amazing group. I never tire of listening to them!
@andrewleitch5661
I prefer Woody's original version.but it is a good rendition