Vigilante Man
Woody Guthrie
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Have you seen that vigilante man? Have you seen that vigilante man? Have you seen that vigilante man? I been hearin' his name all over the land. Well, what is a vigilante man? Tell me, what is a vigilante man? Has he got a gun and a club in his hand? Is that is a vigilante man? Rainy night down in the engine house, Sleepin' just as still as a mouse, Man come along an' he chased us out in the rain. Was that a vigilante man? Stormy days we passed the time away, Sleepin' in some good warm place. Man come along an' we give him a little race. Was that a vigilante man? Preacher Casey was just a workin' man, And he said, "Unite all you working men." Killed him in the river some strange man. Was that a vigilante man? Oh, why does a vigilante man, Why does a vigilante man Carry that sawed-off shot-gun in his hand? Would he shoot his brother and sister down? I rambled 'round from town to town, I rambled 'round from town to town, And they herded us around like a wild herd of cattle. Was that the vigilante men? Have you seen that vigilante man? Have you seen that vigilante man? I've heard his name all over this land.
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10 facts about this song
Historical Significance"Vigilante Man" was written by Woody Guthrie, an American singer-songwriter famous for his folk ballads. The song voices Guthrie's opposition to the vigilante activities during the 1930s and 1940s in the United States.
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Song Release and AlbumThe song was released in 1940 as a part of the album titled "Dust Bowl Ballads."
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Style & CompositionThe song is composed using the American folk music style, characterized by its simple accompaniment and melody.
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Contextual InspirationGuthrie penned down "Vigilante Man" after witnessing the working conditions and the treatment of workers during the Great Depression.
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Lyrics InterpretationLyrically, the song manifests the pain and struggle of the ordinary man against the oppressive and violent forces, represented by the "vigilante man."
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Political PerspectiveThe song is an integral example of Guthrie's political perspective underpinned by empathy for the working class and oppressed. His songs, including "Vigilante Man," significantly influenced the folk revival of the 1960s.
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Cover Versions"Vigilante Man" has been covered by other well-renowned artists, helping maintain the song's relevance and presence. Bruce Springsteen, a prominent figure in American rock music, included the song in his 1996 album "The Ghost of Tom Joad."
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Socio-Political ElementsThe song showcases the heavy socio-political elements prominent in Guthrie's writing, contributing not only to music but also to the understanding of the era's social and economic conditions.
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Impact"Vigilante Man," along with Guthrie’s other songs, greatly influenced a generation of songwriters, including Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger.
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Live PerformancesDespite being released in the 1940s, the song continues to be performed live by various artists, testifying to its timeless appeal and endurance.
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Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
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"Vigilante Man Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4389885/Woody+Guthrie/Vigilante+Man>.
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