Jarama Valley
Woody Guthrie Lyrics


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There's a valley in Spain called Jarama
It's a place that we all know so well
It was there that we fought against the fascists
We saw a peaceful valley turn to hell

From this valley they say we are going
But don't hasten to bid us adue
Even though we lost the battle at Jarama
We'll set this valley free before we're through

We were men of a the Laken Battalion
We're proud of the fight that we made
We know that you people love the valley
We're remember a Laken Vrigade

From this valley they say we are going
But don't hasten to bid us adue
Even though we lost the battle at Jarama
We'll set this valley free before we're through

You will never find peace with these fascists
You'll never find friends such as we
So remember that valley of Jarama
And the people that'll set that valley free

From this valley they say that we are going
Don't hasten to bid us adue
Even though we lost the battle at Jarama
We'll set this valley free before we're through

All this world is like this valley called Jarama
So green and so bright and so fair
No fascists can dwell in our valley
Nor breathe in our new freedoms air





From this valley they say we are going
Do not hasten to bid us adue
Even though we lost the battle at Jarama
We'll set this valley free before we're through

Overall Meaning

Woody Guthrie's Jarama Valley is a classic protest song that conveys the horrors of war and fascism. The lyrics delve into the Spanish Civil War and the Laken Battalion, a group of international volunteers who fought in the Jarama Valley in 1937 against Franco's fascist forces. The first verse highlights the beauty of the valley before the war and the second verse reflects the painful loss they experienced. Even though the fascists won the battle, the soldiers vow to keep fighting for their cause and set the valley free. The last verse is a call to action and a reminder that they will not stop fighting against fascism until the victory is achieved.


The lyrics are poignant and powerful, with their main themes being anti-fascism, anti-war, and the strength of the human spirit to keep fighting even in the face of terrible loss. Guthrie's song captures the spirit of the Laken Battalion soldiers and their determination to fight for freedom, justice, and human rights. It reminds us that war brings great suffering and that peaceful valleys can turn into hellish battlefields. It's a simple song that encapsulates the brutality of war and the need to fight for our beliefs.


Line by Line Meaning

There's a valley in Spain called Jarama
Jarama is a valley located in Spain


It's a place that we all know so well
The Valley of Jarama is a well-known location


It was there that we fought against the fascists
The battle against the fascists took place in Jarama Valley


We saw a peaceful valley turn to hell
Jarama Valley changed from peaceful to chaotic during the battle


From this valley they say we are going
People say that the men are leaving Jarama Valley


But don't hasten to bid us adue
Do not say goodbye too quickly


Even though we lost the battle at Jarama
Even though they lost the battle in Jarama Valley


We'll set this valley free before we're through
They are determined to reclaim Jarama Valley


We were men of a the Laken Battalion
The men were part of the Laken Battalion during the war


We're proud of the fight that we made
They take pride in the battle they fought


We know that you people love the valley
They acknowledge the love people have for Jarama Valley


We're remember a Laken Vrigade
They remember Laken brigade that fought alongside them


You will never find peace with these fascists
It is impossible to find peace with the fascists


You'll never find friends such as we
There are no friends like them


So remember that valley of Jarama
People should not forget Jarama Valley


And the people that'll set that valley free
The people who will reclaim Jarama Valley


All this world is like this valley called Jarama
The world is similar to Jarama Valley


So green and so bright and so fair
The world is beautiful, bright and fair


No fascists can dwell in our valley
Fascists will not be welcome in Jarama Valley


Nor breathe in our new freedoms air
They will breathe the air of freedom


Do not hasten to bid us adue
Do not say goodbye too quickly


Even though we lost the battle at Jarama
Even though they lost the battle in Jarama Valley


We'll set this valley free before we're through
They are determined to reclaim Jarama Valley




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: LEE HAYS, PETER SEEGER, WOODY GUTHRIE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

VBA Scripts

Jarama Valley
There's a valley in Spain called Jarama
It's a place that we all know so well
It was there that we gave of our manhood
And so many of our brave comrades fell.

We are proud of the Lincoln Battalion
And the fight for Madrid that it made
There we fought like true sons of the people
As part of the Fifteenth Brigade.

Now we're far from that valley of sorrow
But its memory we ne'er will forget
So before we conclude this reunion
Let us stand to our glorious dead.


El Valle del Jarama
Hay un valle en España llamado Jarama
es un lugar que nosotros conocemos bien.
Fue allí donde dimos nuestra virilidad
y donde cayeron nuestros valientes camaradas.

Estamos orgullosos del Batallón Lincoln
y de la lucha que hizo por Madrid.
Allí luchamos como verdaderos hijos del pueblo
como parte de la Quince Brigada.

Ahora estamos lejos de aquel valle de dolor
pero su memoria nunca olvidaremos;
Así que antes de que concluyamos esta reunión
pongámonos en pie por nuestros gloriosos muertos.



David Mallon

These are the original reunion lyrics of the song. It was originally for the British Battalion


There’s a Valley in Spain called Jarama,
It’s a place that we all know so well,
It is there that we gave of our manhood,
And so many of our brave comrades fell.

We are proud of the British Battalion,
And the stand for Madrid that they made,
For they fought like true sons of the soil.
As part of the Fifteenth Brigade.

With the rest of the international column,
In the stand for the freedom of Spain
We swore in the valley of Jarama
That fascism never will reign.

Now we’ve left that dark valley of sorrow
And its memories of regret,
So before we continue this reunion
Let us stand to our glorious dead.



All comments from YouTube:

Jay Montanez

My great grandpa was a member of the 15th Lincoln brigade, and I am proud as his descendant to fight against fascism and all hate! From my hometown in Minnesota to all corners of the world, we shall overcome!!!

Jesús Estangúí Ibañez

Muchas gracias a tu abuelo y a todos/as los miembros de la 15 Brigada Internacional (Brigada/Batallón Lincoln)

Ochoa0592

Todos y todas los que vinieron para ayudar al pueblo español con las brigadas internacionales, tienen un lugar en mi corazón. Fueron héroes.

nona dorsky

In remembrance of my father and his fellow comrades in Spain as well as those who did not go but supported the cause.

fallingorrisingstar

Guess we all owe your old man!

nona dorsky

+fallingorrisingstar Thanks

nona dorsky

+fallingorrisingstar How did you come upon listening to this song

19 More Replies...

Jose Asesio

My salude for all american volunteers that fought for liberty.
As spaniard my heart is with those heroes.

Miguel

Dieron sus vidas por el bien, por un país que no era el suyo y por un objetivo que compartíamos toda la gente de buena fe. Dios les tenga en su gloria.

Joey J

Long live the memory of the Volunteers, the Lincoln Batallion, and La Quinta Brigada!

More Comments