Jesus Christ
Woody Guthrie
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20 facts about this song
Genre Classification"Jesus Christ" is a folk song written and performed by Woody Guthrie, a prominent American songwriter and singer who greatly influenced the folk music scene.
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Release TimeThis song was recorded in the year 1940, during the most prolific period of Guthrie's career.
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Thematic Content"Jesus Christ" presents a socially-conscious view of the life of Jesus Christ, framing him as a pro-working class figure who was killed because he went against the powerful, wealthy elites. Guthrie thus used the song as a protest against economic and social inequality.
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Cover VersionsMany artists have covered "Jesus Christ," including U2, a well-known Irish rock band, demonstrating the influence and popularity of Guthrie's music.
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Album AssociationWoody Guthrie's "Jesus Christ" is part of the album "This Land is Your Land: The Asch Recordings, Vol. 1,” which is a significant marker of Guthrie's massive contribution to the American music scene.
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Live PerformancesWhile Woody Guthrie himself did not perform the song in many live shows due to his escalating health issues, many other artists have included it in their live sets paying tribute to his impact on folk music.
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Music StyleWoody Guthrie’s “Jesus Christ” is a classic example of his topical songwriting method wherein he composed lyrics addressing relevant social issues set to traditional melodies.
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Song InfluenceThe song has played a significant role in not only folk music but has also influenced genres such as punk rock. Joe Strummer of The Clash cited Woodie Guthrie, and by extension songs like "Jesus Christ," as an influence on his music.
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Public DomainLike most of Guthrie's music, "Jesus Christ" is in the public domain, meaning anyone is free to cover or modify the song without seeking permission or paying royalties.
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Folk LegacyGuthrie's "Jesus Christ" is often cited as a quintessential folk song that uses religious imagery for social commentary, making it a significant fixture in the history of American folk music.
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Release Details"Jesus Christ" is one of the numerous songs written by Woody Guthrie. Although he penned it in 1940, the song was not officially released until sixteen years later, in 1956.
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Political ContextSignificantly, the song was written at a time when Guthrie was becoming deeply involved in leftist politics. The song offers a socio-political interpretation of Jesus's life, reflecting Guthrie's socialist beliefs.
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Religious Perspective"Jesus Christ" is often considered a ?gospel song', where Woody presents Jesus Christ in a more humanistic light rather than a divine being. Jesus is depicted as a social fighter who stands for justice and equality.
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Cover VersionsVarious artists have covered this song, including Bob Dylan, U2, and Joan Baez, thereby ensuring its longevity and continued relevance.
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Song’s ThemeThe song draws numerous parallels between the situations Jesus faced in biblical times and issues in modern society, including wealth disparity and social injustice.
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Album InclusionThe song "Jesus Christ" is included in Guthrie's album "Ballads of Sacco & Vanzetti," a tribute to two Italian immigrants executed in America for a crime many believe they did not commit. This, too, reflects Woody's passion for social justice.
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Guthrie's Songwriting StyleThe structure and lyrics of this song encapsulate Guthrie's notable songwriting style, which is often straightforward and story-based, with a strong emphasis on vivid imagery.
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Song’s InfluenceThis song, like many of Guthrie's works, influenced numerous folk musicians in subsequent generations, contributing to the folk revival of the 1960s.
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Modern ReleasesGuthrie neither recorded nor published "Jesus Christ," like most of his songs during his lifetime. It was part of later compilations, the most recent one being "Woody Guthrie: The Tribute Concerts" in 2017.
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Message of the Song"Jesus Christ" emphasizes the idea of standing up for the less fortunate, fighting for justice and equality—all hallmarks of the Christian faith—but they are also primary tenets of Guthrie's political ideology.
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Citation
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"Jesus Christ Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 10 Oct. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30013091/Woody+Guthrie/Jesus+Christ>.
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