Do Re Mi
Jacky Terrasson, Woody Guthrie
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Lots of folks back East, they say, is leaving home every day, Beating the hot old dusty way to the California line. Cross the desert sands they roll, getting out of that old dust bowl, They think they're going to a sugar bowl, but here's what they find Now, the police at the port of entry say, "You're number fourteen thousand for today." [Chorus] Oh, if you ain't got the do re mi, folks, you ain't got the do re mi, Why, you better go back to beautiful Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Georgia, Tennessee. California is a garden of Eden, a paradise to live in or see But believe it or not, you won't find it so hot If you ain't got the do re mi. You want to buy you a home or a farm, that can't deal nobody harm, Or take your vacation by the mountains or sea. Don't swap your old cow for a car, You better stay right where you are, Better take this little tip from me. Cause I look through the want ads every day But the headlines on the papers always say [Chorus]
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
10 facts about this song
Origin"Do Re Mi" is a song by American folk musician Woody Guthrie, which he first recorded in 1940.
|
InspirationThe song's lyrics were inspired by the Dust Bowl era, and the mass migration of people from the "Dust Bowl" states such as Oklahoma and Arkansas, to California during the Great Depression.
|
ThemesIt addresses the economic and social issues faced by those seeking a better life in the West. The song's lyrics caution against the belief that California is a paradise, warning that without money, the migrants won't be welcome.
|
Music StyleLike much of Guthrie's work, "Do Re Mi" represents the folk music genre. It features the simple, straightforward song structure and the socially conscious lyrics characteristic of folk music.
|
Popular RecognitionThe song has been covered by a variety of other artists, including Bob Dylan, Ry Cooder, and The Kingston Trio. It is considered one of Guthrie's most well-known songs.
|
Album Inclusion"Do Re Mi" is included in Guthrie's album titled "Dust Bowl Ballads" which was his first commercially released album.
|
LegacyThe song has been recognized in the Grammy Hall of Fame, acknowledging its historical significance.
|
Lyrics Styles"Do Re Mi" highlights Guthrie's lyrical storytelling, his ability to draw on his own experiences and the news of the day to write songs that not only entertained but also delivered important messages.
|
InfluenceThe song influenced generations of singer-songwriters and helped establish the "protest song" genre in folk music.
|
Preservation StatusIn 2000, the Library of Congress selected "Do Re Mi" for the National Recording Registry due to its cultural, historical, and aesthetic importance to the American soundscape.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Do Re Mi Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 11 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30013053/Woody+Guthrie/Do+Re+Mi>.
Discuss the Do Re Mi Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In