Liza Jane
Love, Union, and Defiance: Decoding 'Liza Jane' by Pete Seeger
Lyrics
I got a girl in Arkansas, little Liza Jane
I have a romantic interest in a girl in Arkansas named Liza Jane.
She sleeps in her kitchen
Liza Jane sleeps in her kitchen with her feet in the hall.
With her feet in the hall, little Liza Jane
Reiteration of Liza Jane's unconventional sleeping arrangement.
Oh, won't you? Oh Eliza, little Liza Jane
Expression of affection towards Liza Jane.
Oh, won't you? Oh Eliza, little Liza Jane
Repetition of the desire for Eliza (Liza Jane).
I'm gonna marry her if I can
Expresses the intent to marry Liza Jane.
She loves me 'cause I'm a union man
She loves the speaker because he is a union man, indicating shared values.
Heard a speech by the President
Heard a speech by the President, suggesting awareness of political events.
Wants to put me in a regiment
The President wants to enlist the speaker in the military.
I went to the draft and stood in line
Speaker complies with the draft, standing in line for military service.
Now I'm a number 609
Speaker is assigned the identifier "number 609" in the military.
Said in Congress yesterday
Congress considers taking away the right to strike, impacting workers' rights.
"Take the right to strike away"
Congress aims to curtail workers' ability to go on strike.
They say that labor camps are fine
Labor camps are seen as acceptable to discipline young people and enforce conformity.
To make the young folk toe the line
Pressure on young people to conform to societal expectations.
I can't marry you today
The speaker cannot marry Liza Jane immediately due to financial constraints.
I can't afford it on my pay
The speaker's income is insufficient for marriage.
Cut the pay and raise the rents
Government policies lead to reduced wages and increased rents.
It's all for national defense
These economic changes are justified in the name of national defense.
Better make the government change it's plan
The speaker urges the government to reconsider its plans for the sake of his desire to marry.
I aim to be a married man
The speaker expresses the determination to become a married man despite challenges.
Dry your tears, get out your knittin'
Encouragement for Liza Jane to remain strong and occupied during challenging times.
I don't aim to be no bundle for Britain
The speaker refuses to be a burden for Britain, emphasizing a focus on personal life over international concerns.
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