Lyrics
Well bring your old guitar and sit here by me
Inviting someone with an old guitar to sit and join the speaker.
Round the heavenly throne
Referring to a metaphorical heavenly throne, suggesting a significant discussion or event.
Drag out your Oklahoma poetry, 'cause it looks like the war is on
Encouraging the sharing of heartfelt poetry related to Oklahoma due to an apparent war.
And I don't mean a war for oil, or gold, or trivial things of that kind
Emphasizing that the war mentioned is not for material gains but involves a vigilante man.
But I heard the news, the vigilante man is on the move this time
Acknowledging the presence of a vigilante man, indicating a serious and perhaps justifiable cause.
So sing me a song 'bout this land is your land
Requesting a song about patriotism and resistance against fascism.
And fascists bound to lose
Expressing the belief that fascists are destined to be defeated.
You were a dreamer, Mr. Guthrie, and I was a dreamer too
Acknowledging a commonality with Woody Guthrie as dreamers.
Once I spoke of a love for those who hate
Recalling a previous stance advocating love for those who harbor hate.
It requires effort and strain
Highlighting the effort required for such a stance.
Vengeance casts a false shadow of justice which leads to destruction and pain
Rejecting vengeance as it leads to destructive consequences.
Some say I was a friend to sinners
Claiming to be a friend to sinners.
But by now you know it's true
Acknowledging the truth of being a friend to sinners.
Guess I like sinners better than fascists
Expressing a preference for sinners over fascists.
And I guess that makes me a dreamer too
Embracing the identity of a dreamer who opposes fascism.
In the year of 1945, you saw the killers fall
Referencing the end of World War II and the defeat of the killers.
Many fought and died
Remembering those who fought and died during the war.
But it's the innocent ones I most recall
Highlighting the impact on innocent lives during wartime.
Well I've been the Savior, now, for such a long time
Claiming to have been a savior for a long time.
And I've seen it all before
Asserting experience in witnessing various events over time.
You good people better get together
Urging people to unite against a common threat for survival.
Or you ain't got a chance anymore
Warning that failure to unite will result in dire consequences.
Now they're starting up their engine of hate
Describing the initiation of a hateful movement.
Don't it make you feel lonesome and blue?
Eliciting a sense of loneliness and sadness in response to the hateful movement.
Yes I was a dreamer, Mr. Guthrie, and you were a dreamer too
Reiterating the shared identity as dreamers with Woody Guthrie.
Now they're starting up their engine of hate
Repeating the idea of the start of a hateful movement.
Don't it make you feel lonesome and blue?
Reemphasizing the emotional impact of the hateful movement.
Yes I was a dreamer, Mr. Guthrie, and you were a dreamer too
Affirming the shared dreamer identity with Woody Guthrie.
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