Do Re Mi

Jacky Terrasson, Woody Guthrie

About Do Re Mi

"Do Re Mi" is a folksong by American songwriter Woody Guthrie. The song deals with the experiences and reception of Dust Bowl migrants when they arrive in California. It is known for having two guitar parts, both recorded by Guthrie.


Year:
2012
3:01
62 
#2

 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]

 Struggling with Do Re Mi? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


Woody Guthrie

Woodrow Wilson "Woody" Guthrie (July 14, 1912 – October 3, 1967) was an American singer-songwriter and folk musician whose musical legacy includes hundreds of political, traditional and children's songs, ballads and improvised works. He frequently performed with the slogan This Machine Kills Fascists displayed on his guitar. His best-known song is "This Land Is Your Land." Many of his recorded songs are archived in the Library of Congress. Such songwriters as Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Pete Seeger, Joe Strummer, Billy Bragg, Jeff Tweedy and Tom Paxton have acknowledged Guthrie as a major influence. more »

1 fan

Written by: WOODY GUTHRIE

Lyrics © T.R.O. INC.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origin
"Do Re Mi" is a song by American folk musician Woody Guthrie, which he first recorded in 1940.
Inspiration
The 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.
Themes
It 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 Style
Like 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 Recognition
The 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.
Legacy
The 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.
Influence
The song influenced generations of singer-songwriters and helped establish the "protest song" genre in folk music.
Preservation Status
In 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.

Discuss the Do Re Mi Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Do Re Mi Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30013053/Woody+Guthrie/Do+Re+Mi>.

    Missing lyrics by Woody Guthrie?

    Know any other songs by Woody Guthrie? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Do Re Mi

    593.6K
    2,778     71

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    According to Gary Numan, we are...?
    A Glass
    B Steel
    C Plastic
    D Plasticine

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Woody Guthrie tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Do Re Mi

    »
    • Bound For Glory