This land is your land
This land is my land
From California to the New York island;
From the red wood 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:
This land was made for you and me.
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 across a field
I saw a sign that said "No Trespassing."
But on the back 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
Wasn't this land made for you and me?
Nobody living can ever stop me,
As I go walking that freedom highway;
Nobody living can ever make me turn back
This land was made for you and me.
"This Land Is Your Land" is one of the United States' most famous folk songs. It was written by Woody Guthrie in 1940, but was not published until 1945. It was finally copyrighted in 1951.
In 2002, it was one of 50 recordings chosen by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry. (from Wikipedia)
So...explain why it should or should not be America's National Anthem. What do you think???
It paints a fairly good picture of what America looks like, I guess. But would it be appropriate as the national anthem? Naaa. I prefer a song about victory. Singing about how the "flag was still there" and then having screaming jets fly over right before the world series begins makes you feel proud. Maybe if this would have been the anthem from the start, I would feel differently.
ReplyDeleteI really don't think that this should be The National Anthem due to the history behind America and how they stole and snaked land from the Indians.
ReplyDelete“This Land Is Your Land” would qualify to be the national anthem of the United States but I do not believe it should replace the one we already have, “The Star Spangled Banner”. The definition for the word anthem is a rousing or uplifting song identified with a particular group, body, or cause. In my opinion “The Star Spangled Banner” does a much better job at being a rousing and stirring song. Its lyrics, “And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there”, just sends a rush of imagery through you to the point that you can imagine a bomb bursting and its light reflecting off the flag flying over Fort McHenry. The symbolic meaning behind this flag, especially to a young America, brought many brave men to fight and die to protect it. While the song “This Land Is Your Land” also creates imagery it doesn't stir within me the same sense of pride in my country that our now standing national anthem achieves.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Matthew. I liked how you pointed out how our Anthem provides so much imagery. Also, the song "This Land is Your Land" just doesn't reflect the definition of the word anthem. Good post.
DeleteJohn Coleman
I agree that it doesn't provide the sense of pride. I love how you referenced the lyrics of "And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air..."
Delete"This Land is Your Land" has a great message but it doesn't leave you feeling like an American.
Josh W
I think the story also has a lot to do with the song, and you touched on it a little bit in your comment Matt. Francis Key, with the end seeming near, knew that the nation needed a sense of pride and patriotism, and our flag was just that. Not only does the "Star Spangled Banner" display a broad sense of patriotism and a hard foundation for Americans, but it gives us a symbol to hold those emotions to, and that's our flag. "My Land is Your Land" is a great song, don't get me wrong, but it just doesn't encompass that passion that our current national anthem does, and it doesn't convey a symbol to Americans that we can look towards in times of doubt and despair. I like what you said, sir.
DeleteI agree with your statement Mathew. The star spangled banner is a much better song that represents America's strength, pride, and freedom. As you said that the song brings out a symbolic meaning behind the American Flag. In the song when it states that our flag was still there, this statement reassures Americans that we can fight any battle as a country together. There is a story behind the song and the lyrics also bring that imagery to life. When you listen to the song you feel a sense of pride and it is much more patriotic because it is about surviving a battle. That battle represents strength, pride and freedom.
DeleteHmm... do not get me wrong I love the song, “This Land is Your Land” I mean I would always sing it and it has such a catchy tune with easy lyrics to remember, but I do not think it should be our national anthem. First of all the American people absolutely hate change when it comes to certain things especially changing our national anthem it would be an abomination to our country. Then many would complain about the change of songs because “The Star Spangled Banner” has always been our national anthem and it simply just represents the fight we had to go through to become our own governed country. Plus, the songs means so much to people now that it would we quite disrespectful if we were to even reconsider changing the anthem to something else especially because many grew up with that particular anthem. Also it would be particularly hard trying to teach people a new song and it would take lots of time and effort plus cause confusion throughout the world. For example, at the Olympics, not only would Americans forget the anthem was changed, but many other people from different countries would be quite confused because they are used to hear “The Star Spangled Banner.” Overall, in my opinion the national anthem most definitely should not be changed to “This Land is Your Land” because it would be disrespectful to our country and our people.
ReplyDeleteThe song "This Land is Your Land" has a good feel to it and it is kind of catchy. It has some good lyrics but I don't feel the same patriotic feel as I do with the National Anthem. To change something like the National Anthem would be a bit drastic in my book. I don't think there is anything wrong with the anthem we have now. It has a patriotic feel to it, and mainly to me it makes you feel proud of our country. Our anthem has a great meaning and something about it just gets inside of you and takes a hold of you and makes you proud to live in America. Of course the majority of Americans do not like change. I will definitely admit I am a part of that group. There could also be a mental block on it for me, just because it's been the same Anthem all my life. Once again, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
ReplyDeleteI can relate with you saying that its been with you your whole life, I will certainly have that Anthem memorized until the day I die. Nice way to put it if ain't broke don't fix it, no need to fight for a change when its not necessarily needed.
DeleteJosh W
I agree with you that a change in the National Anthem would be too much trouble and confusing to people, since the song have been singing for a long time.
DeleteThe song is a great song to sing as a fellow American, but for "This Land Is Your Land" to be our new National Anthem, I just can't agree. "The Star Spangled Banner" is a song we Americans take pride in. It gives us that sense of accomplishment. "The land of the brave", goes for the men and women who sacrificed their own lives "for the land of the free" to even be possible. The National Anthem, as is, has much more value and meaning behind it than "This Land Is Your Land". In my opinion, this song can't even compete in the running to be our country's anthem.
ReplyDeleteI think the National Anthem just has so much history that it could never be changed, or the people would NOT let it be changed. It resonates so deeply within so many generations that its almost literally a part of us as Americans
DeleteI would have to agree with you it just would not be right to the people and our country that we had to fight hard for to change our National Anthem, furthermore I do not think any country should change their National anthem it just would not be right. Our National anthem should represent our country as a whole and I just do not think "This Land is Your Land" can even come near to "The Star Spangled Banner" in my opinion.
DeleteI think the song "This Land is Your Land" is a great and catchy song but I believe "The Star Spangled Banner" cannot be replaced. It's a song we've known for so long and a song that makes most of us proud to be Americans and gives us a sense of patriotism. The meaning and lyrics behind "The Star Spangled Banner" hold very much value and meaning and I could not see myself "This Land is Your Land" upholding to those values and morals. The song that stands as our national anthem today holds a great meaning and memory behind the lyrics. Hearing those very lyrics makes us feel proud and happy to be American and proud of all the accomplishments that America has done. I don't think "This Land is Your Land" would serve the same justice and get the same heartfelt feelings from fellow Americans as "The Star Spangled Banner."
ReplyDeleteThis would be a very relevant and nice change for a National Anthem, I’m not opposing the change, but I’m not going to get upset if our National Anthem stays the same. I agree 100% with what the song is inferring, and in my opinion that is the idea of a land where it is actually for everyone, with no segregation and total equality. The lines, “By the relief office I seen my people; As they stood there hungry, I stood there asking Wasn't this land made for you and me?”, I definitely see a hidden question to this nation as a whole on why we let people starve. Our anthem talks about brotherhood but there is less of a sense of unity in the USA in my opinion. Like I said this would be a more relevant anthem to me, I’m not against the change, but I’m not fighting for it by any means.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you Josh, and I'll tell you why. When you said, "Our anthem talks about brotherhood but there is less of a sense of unity in the USA in my opinion.", I literally think totally opposite of you. I think the Anthem calls for a great deal of unity. Our Anthem puts patriotism, brotherhood, love, bravery, courage, pride, etc. into a symbol that we as Americans can come together and hold onto: our flag. The flag is what unites us. Together we stand, and we will not fall. With the red glare of rocket, and bombs bursting in air, (the end seeming near) the flag will still be there, and since the flag is the symbol for patriotism, brotherhood, love, bravery, courage, pride, etc., you can bet your bottom dollar that those justifications will still be there as well. We are a nation united, and we are united under our flag. That's why I think this songs embraces a HUGE amount of unity.
DeleteHey Garrett.
DeleteThe flag is our symbol but what will the flag do for everyone starving on the streets, all the shady things going on in politics, or the fact that more murders are being committed almost every second of everyday. I agree that the flag gives us something to hold onto and relate to as Americans, but from my life experiences and my train of thought I don't agree that we are a nation united. I think the exact opposite, we are divided. Not united at all, not in the age we live in at least. People can recite the anthem all day and night but what will that actually do. Give people hope? Give people a sense of pride? It can do a multitude of things but it takes more than some recited words to unite an entire nation. The flag will be here forever and I'm glad that it will be, but change is not a bad thing and if it happens it happens. The anthem calls for a great deal of unity but does it actually bring it? Does it literally unite us? It'd be nice to think so but in my opinion I think it takes a lot more than an anthem to unite a nation. To REALLY unite a NATION.
Joshua W.
Well yeah I agree with that, but that's not matter at hand. The National Anthem is a song that embraces unity, that was my point. Yeah murders are others crimes are increasing day by day, and yes it will take more than an anthem to do that, but that's not what I was discussing. The National Anthem that we have today embraces the ideas of a TRUE AMERICAN, and put those characteristics into a symbol that we can look at. Every nation is going to have things wrong with it. Politics may be out of whack, crime may be increasing, but in the end, every single one of us are American, and those who have to same ideas and same moral goals in mind are, and will be, united. There is no denying that our national anthem embraces everything American and puts into into a symbol which is our flag, and with that being said, there's not a thing wrong with our anthem today. Like you said, it's going to take a lot more than just an anthem to unite a nation, but I completely believe that song that serves as our National Anthem hits everything that justifies an American, and justifies what we should be as a nation.
DeleteOh, and just to clarify, I'm not trying to be rude or anything! I'm just speaking my mind!
Joshua, I would like to address one of your comments. You said in one of your comments "The flag is our symbol but what will the flag do for everyone starving on the streets, all the shady things going on in politics, or the fact that more murders are being committed almost every second of everyday." This is not the issue at hand. So if you were to use that as a premise for changing the anthem to the other proposed anthem, then your expression for the concerns of corruption, the poor, or any other matter will be null and void. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying that is your premise, but one of your comments came off that way. This is a reason to stay on topic during discussion so there is no confusion.
DeleteEven if our country is going downhill, America definitely doesn't need a song that reflects that. The ambitions and dreams that Americans share are the same as what they were whenever our Anthem was written. Every American wants what our National Anthem depicts. If we were to use the country's demise as justification, then we may as well get an anthem that talks about how we are a murderous and crime committing country. No, the USA needs an anthem that strikes at the heart of every American, and tells just what our nation was founded on and what the goal ultimately is, and that is exactly what the Anthem today does for us! We are a nation of the brave and of the free, and our Anthem tells the story of how that became so.
DeleteI have a few reasons why I think the national anthem should stay the same. Here's why: During the bombing of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy Ships, Francis key decided that he would write a poem entailing just what is America. Put yourself in that situation. Bomb's bursting all around, screaming, all pointing towards what seemed to be the end. But not in Francis Key's mind. He explained in his poem just what America is. A nation that is strong, courageous, and will stand behind it's flag. This poem depicted that even with bombs bursting in the air, the red glare of rocket, no matter what, the flag will still stand, and so will the nation of America. This poem, which soon afterwards sang to the tune of a popular British song, has an absolutely tremendous story behind it. It entails that even when staring down the throat of a lion, we will still stand. United.
ReplyDeleteNow don't get me wrong, "This Land is Your Land" is a great American song, but it doesn't encompass the power that our nation possess. The song talks about how great America is, and how it is for all of us to share. "The Star Spangled Banner" truly defines our nation. By our flag. It gives us a symbol for hope, courage, bravery, and unity. No matter what, that flag will fly on. No matter what type of adversity, the bonds will not be broken. You don't find that type of meaning in "This Land is You Land". In power of meaning, I clearly put "The Star Spangled Banner" way out in front of other songs, but I can't see any other American song being "better" than another. "My Country Tis' of Thee", "This Land is Your Land", "God Bless the USA" are all amazing songs, but they don't hold the symbolism that "The Star Spangled Banner" does.
When it comes down to it, no other song possesses the meaning, the heart, and the story that "The Star Spangled Banner" does.
Before I start talking about if i think this should be our National Anthem or not, I would like to say that my opinions might be biased considering I was not born here.
ReplyDeleteAnd I feel that this song should in fact be the new National Anthem because it is more about saying it's "OUR" land, than just saying it's a countries "victory"
the idea of our land sounds more nice and pleasant to my ears than just pride and victory.
Adrishi, when a looking at a national anthem for this country you have to take more into consideration than what sounds "nice and pleasant" to your ears. Our national anthem is more than just a song about "pride and victory". It tells the story of why we had to fight for our pride and gain victory. Our National Anthem also reminds us everyday of what we gained out of victory. We gained the blessings of liberty that can be passed on from generation to generation. I will say though the song by the Mormon Choir is an amazing song for America. However, it just doesn't tell the entire story. It has a good message. This is my land as it is yours, but it leaves out the part of how this land came to be your land and my land.
DeleteMr. Roberts, you could not have said it any better my friend. Without those victories that are being mentioned, we more than likely wouldn't have a nation to pin an anthem to. Also, the pride doesn't come from the fact that we beat the opposing team in a war, it's the fact that we gained our freedom. We gained our independence. That's the reason to have pride. To know that we had finally become a power strong enough to untie and call itself a nation.
DeleteI would say that, while "This Land is Your Land" is an amazing and beautiful song, I do not believe our national anthem should change. Our national anthem is a reminder of our origins of freedom and democracy. Francis Scott Key wasn't just sitting at a desk one day where he decided to write some poem about our country for absolutely no reason. This country did not gain its independence over night. America had to withstand a British Army and Government that wanted tax without the consent of the original colonies. The British army was much greater than the army under the leadership of George Washington. So gaining our freedom and independence was no walk in the park. And yes, when one works hard to gain something such as freedom, that individual should take pride in the blessings of liberty that lies within victory over tyranny and oppression. Let's use an analogy. African Americans have "The Black National Anthem" which is a reminder about our role in American History, which in many ways was not so shiny and pretty. I would compare the questioning of the American National Anthem to the questioning of the Black National Anthem. Making changes to these two iconic songs has too many historical implications.
ReplyDeleteI really like "This Land is Your Land"! I actually learned how to sign this song, when I was younger. ANYWAY! I don't think this song shouldn't be our new "National Anthem." Everybody is already used to singing the "Star Spangled Banner," and changing our nation's anthem would start too much confusion everywhere. In my opinion, there would be more people against it, than for it. Changing it would just add unnecessary, unethical stress to America...so yea. That's how I feel. Short and sweet, right?
ReplyDeleteYeah your right. I feel the same way. By: tichina taylor
DeleteI think that although “This Land is Your Land” is a really good song that affirms the right and the freedom for people in America, it still doesn’t suit to be a new Nation Anthem to replace “The star Spangled Banner”. I think that if we need a song to tell people about the life in America, it might be the best song to do that because it emphasizes that the America is made for the people and everything on this land from “From California to the New York island; From the red wood forest to the Gulf Stream waters”, the sky, the sea, the land,… is for its people. It mentions all the beautiful things in the present of this land right now, but it lacks an important part, the origin and history of how we got this land from the British. I feel that “The Star Spangled Banner” left a stronger impression in me the first time I heard it. The flag not only represents our pride and victory, but also had an important role in deciding the fate of this land and the existence of America. We know that the battle to get free from England was not easy at all. Francis Key was from afar looking at the battle and was really inspired when he saw the American flag still flew the next morning and wrote “The Star Spangled Banner”. The song kind of summarizes the hope of the battle, and it also expresses the unity of people, and reminds us all to brave and protect this country when needed. The present and the future are very important, but the past, which made the present, is not less important for us to truly understand and appreciate the value and the effort of our predecessors, who gave us the life we have today. So I think that “The Star Spangled Banner” is still the best national anthem for the United States.
ReplyDeleteThis song is a good song, if you want a description about how America is, but I do not think it would make a good National Anthem. It spends too much time describing the land we live on. To me, Nation Anthems are supposed to make you feel a sense of pride in your country. The National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner, best fits my definition. It talks about the struggles and hardships that we went through to get to where we are now. It makes you feel proud to be an American and that we can handle anything that is thrown our way. To me that is the prefect National Anthem.
ReplyDeleteThe song "This Land is Your Land" should not be the national anthem because it complains about rights we don't have in America. In the beginning of the song Woody Guthrie paints a beautiful picture of America's wonderful landscape, but towards the end starts to talk about is this land really our land. Are some of our rights being deprived? I did some searching and it turns out that this song was a reaction to the great depression. " I saw a sign that said "No Trespassing." But on the back side it didn't say nothing, That side was made for you and me." These lyrics address ownership and poverty. Guthrie is questioning how can a land that is so rich cannot support you and me. " As they stood there hungry, I stood there asking Wasn't this land made for you and me?" He points out that he sees his fellow citizens standing in welfare lines and then asks, is this land really ours? He seems to be asking whether the government really cares about its citizens. Thus begging the question, is this land really ours? This song seems really simple, but it is actually deep in bringing about a protest about real social issues in America. "The Star Spangled Banner" should be our national anthem because it talks about a battle that symbolizes our strength as a nation. The song brings out pride and freedom of the American people. The lyrics have great imagery that stands out about America being able to fight as one even when the times are hard. It brings out hope and the American flag is that piece of hope when it is waved.
ReplyDelete“This Land Is Your Land” should not be America’s National Anthem. In my opinion, this song doesn’t evoke the same feelings that the current National Anthem does. When I hear the National Anthem, it makes me proud to call myself an American. “The Star Spangled Banner” represents how we gained our independence as a nation. “This Land Is Your Land” just doesn’t seem to be National Anthem quality, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you are saying about the significance of the already exiting National Anthem. It is more provoking then "The Land is your Land' without a doubt.
Deletethis is a good song. it does some up that america is, because like it says in the song, "this land is your land, this land is my land..." america is a mix of many many cultures and no longer is just one race. However with that being said, i do not believe that it should be used as our national anthem. It's style just isn't good enough quality, unlike the national anthem, this song lacks the history which is portrayed in our national anthem. If this song has a chance to be the national anthem then so should God Bless America. I believe we should keep what we have because it has a lot of history in it and about it.
ReplyDeleteAfter listing and reading the lyrics of the song " The Land is Your Land " I find the song very descriptive and moving. In the part of the song where it says "from the red wood forest to the Gulf Stream waters" I see a picture of the United States with a line from California to Texas " the lyrics are paint a very vivid imagine. Although the song is a good work of art , I don't think it should be our National Anthem for these reasons; it is not as good as the " Star-Spangled Banner and It does not seem right to break a traditional already exciting Anthem. The Star Spangled Banner is a more patriotic tune that holds more meaning , written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812. The sight of broad stripes and bright stars of the huge American flag being raised by US soldiers at Baltimore's Fort McHenry after the crucial victory over British forces inspired Francis Scott Key to write the song.
ReplyDeleteThis song, "This Land is Your Land" should not be the national anthem. Though it is pleasant, I do agree with Rashad Roberts. The Star Spangled Banner does something that this song does not, addresses how this land became yours and mine. Also, this song in the end questions whether or not is yours and mine. "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, 'Wasn't this land made for you and me?'" Our already national anthem does tell a story of how we achieved victory and allows Americans to take pride in our land. It really does make us feel proud to be an American! This song merely tells a part of a story of sad gloomy part of our history as Shika said. Who would want that as a national anthem!?
ReplyDeleteThis song reflects peace and freedom. I find it beautiful. We are used to National Anthems about war, victory, battles, history... Most of them are about the same subject. I think that this song would be a great and different National Anthem. It talks about Nature, about what a country is really made of. It doesn't talk about the society, the politics or the Army. It just exposes the roots of the country, its strenght, its shape... Like I said, it makes me think of freedom, peace and beauty. The problem is that it doesn't represent America for me, and the National Anthem should. America is everything but quiet and peaceful. The American Army is represented all around the world, going into wars with different countries, with unknown objectives... I also like the repetition of "this land was made for you and me" because it represents sharing, community, partnership... Although I don't think it fits with America at our time. We do everything alone, we cannot count on anything to help us or guide us. We have to be strong (=have money and power) or we fall, with nobody to push us back up. This song is great, but not close enough to the country to make a good National Anthem.
ReplyDeleteI havent heard this wrong song in a really long time ,but I do remember some of the lyrics.I never noticed the last lines 14-29 . I believe this should be are national anthem,but there are some disagreements . There were two lines I questioned as I was reading."I saw a sign that said "No Trespassing,"But on the back side it didn't say nothing". This part confused me a little because it pointed that since this land was made for you and me signs like no trespassing are ignored.I believe that the song itself is trying to illustrate absolute freedom and most likely one without rules. Another part was "Nobody living can ever stop me,As I go walking that freedom highway;".This line means that rules do not apply when you have freedom. "Nobody can stop me" means nothing can get in my way or it doesnt matter what anybody else says. This song can be taken the wrong way just by how a person interprets the meaning of the lines.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the song" This Land is your Land" shouldn't be the new national anthem. I feel the Star Spangled Banner is the right one. Even though we took this land, we fought hard for it and "The Star Spangled Banner" depicts the setting better. It's very patriotic with all the descriptiveness it has. You can better envision the hardships the soldiers went through, with the "...rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there." This song is a keynote factor in America very symbolic to our nation.
ReplyDeleteI believe this song is not quite as appropriate for our national anthem. Yes it has purpose in telling about our history of how we obtained this land and fought for it but I believe that "The Star Spangled Banner" will always be the most patriotic. The Star Spangled Banner, in my opinion, gives the best descriptions of the battles we went through in our country. I believe this song is way more symbolic of our country as well.
ReplyDeleteI feel this song is a good song but it should not be changed to our national anthem. The national anthem is fine with what we have now. I have heard there is supposedly a lot of controversy about the anthem. But if you change it or replace it, then to me it would be like saying you no longer believe in the anthem that help set the foundation of America. The Star Spangled Banner is one of the few songs that true symbolize our country.
ReplyDeleteI think it should be our new national anthem. I know the song doesn't exactly match present day America, but I believe it is a song that we as Americans should aspire to. As the great Charlie Chaplin said "Our knowledge has made us cynical, our cleverness hard and unkind". I would have to agree. He sings about seeing hungry people and asks why. He then says wasn't this land made for you and me? You won't really see this anymore. It seems that Americans have hardened their hearts. Anyway I think i'm beginning to ramble. I feel that this song should be the one to represent America.
ReplyDeleteI think that the Star Spangled Banner should remain the National Anthem. The Star Spangled Banner talks about how America fought for its independence, for example, "And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there'" this part, in my opinion creates a sense of pride. Though the Land of the Free talks about how much freedom we have in America, it has sense dwindled with the invention of high tech computers and cell phones, so there isn't much truth in that song anymore.America is now more of the land of opportunity, but even some will say that that isn't all true either. What will always remain true and important to this country is fight against the British to gain our independence.
ReplyDelete