MUSIC


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Music has always been an important part of the progressive movement. Songwriters are able to express thoughts and ideas in their lyrics that are not easily expressed in conversation. Many musicians have lent their talents to progressive causes as well as being politically outspoken. Below are some of the  musicians and bands who have consistently promoted and practiced progressive ideas.  The lyrics to Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" are provided as a prime example of progressive song writing.
Tracy Chapman
  Ani Difranco
THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND 
words and music by Woody Guthrie

Chorus:
This land is your land, this land is my land
From California, to the New York Island
From the redwood forest, to the gulf stream waters
This land was made for you and me

As I was walking a ribbon of highway
I saw above me an endless skyway
I saw below me a golden valley
This land was made for you and me

Chorus

I've roamed and rambled and I've 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

Chorus

The sun comes shining as I was strolling
The wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling
The fog was lifting a voice come chanting
This land was made for you and me

Chorus

As I was walkin' - I saw a sign there
And that sign said - no tresspassin'
But on the other side .... it didn't say nothin!
Now that side was made for you and me!

Chorus

In the squares of the city - In the shadow of the steeple
Near the relief office - I see my people
And some are grumblin' and some are wonderin'
If this land's still made for you and me.

Chorus (2x)

©1956 (renewed 1984), 1958 (renewed 1986) and 1970 TRO-Ludlow Music, Inc. (BMI)
Chapman, Tracy DiFranco, Ani
Dixie Chicks
Steve Earle
Dixie Chicks Earle, Steve
Michael Franti
  Woody Guthrie
Franti , Michael & Spearhead Guthrie, Woody



Ochs, Phil Pearl Jam

Rage Against the Machine Seeger, Pete
Springsteen, Bruce Young, Neil