Lyrics
This land is your land, this land is my land
This land is presented as collectively belonging to everyone.
From Love Canal to Three Mile Island
References environmental disasters, suggesting the shared impact on the land.
From the Livermore labs to the offshore rigs
Highlights various locations, including scientific and industrial sites.
This land was made for you and me
Reiterates that the land is meant for all people.
As I was walking the strip mined valley
Describes a degraded landscape, possibly due to strip mining.
Into the city, the piss-soaked alley
Depicts urban decay and poverty in the city.
I felt kinda sickly, kinda Love-Canal-ly
Expresses sickness, drawing parallels to the Love Canal environmental disaster.
This land was made or you and me
Reasserts that the land is for everyone despite its issues.
This land is your land, this land is my land
Repeats the idea of shared land ownership.
But tell the truth, man it's call the landlord's land
Criticizes the notion that it's truly everyone's land, pointing to economic disparities.
Wants money in his hand, or he'll call the policeman
Reflects on the power dynamics with landlords and the threat of law enforcement.
This land was made for you and me
Ironically claims the land still belongs to all despite challenges.
This land is your land (well, it's not MY land)
Challenges the idea that the land belongs to everyone equally.
This land is my land (it was once the Indian's land)
Acknowledges historical injustices against indigenous people.
From California (where they got smog, man)
Comments on environmental issues in California.
To the New York Island (you'll get mugged or murdered)
Expresses concerns about safety and crime in New York City.
From the Redwood Forrest (pool decks and patio furniture)
Mentions the exploitation of natural resources for luxury items.
To the Gulf Stream water (hold your nose)
Comments on pollution in the Gulf Stream.
This land was made for you and me
Reiterates the idea that the land is for everyone despite its flaws.
You ask how we can do this to Woody, man
Addresses criticism of the song's adaptation, defending its relevance.
We know he'd understand and mourn the poison land
Suggests that Woody Guthrie would understand and lament environmental degradation.
With head held in dismay at Prince William's death-bay
References Prince William Sound's environmental disaster, expressing sorrow.
Our fondest respects to mister G!
Pays respects to "mister G," likely referring to Guthrie, the original songwriter.
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