Woody Guthrie Songs Ranked
Woodrow Wilson Guthrie (/ˈɡʌθri/; July 14, 1912 – October 3, 1967) was an American singer-songwriter, who is considered one of the most significant figures in American western folk music. His music, including songs such as “This Land Is Your Land”, has inspired several generations both politically and musically. Guthrie was married three times and fathered eight children. His son Arlo Guthrie became nationally-known as a musician. Woody died in 1967 from complications of Huntington’s disease. His first two daughters also died of the disease. During his later years, in spite of his illness, Guthrie became an icon in the folk movement, providing inspiration to a generation of new folk and country musicians, including mentoring Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and Bob Dylan. Here are all of Woody Guthrie songs ranked.
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11. Car Song (Songs to Grow on, Volume One: Nursery Days, 1951)
“One of the greatest storytellers in music history, writer of some of the most deep politically charged lyrics of all time… And this song is just him making car sounds like a 4-year-old with lyrics you’d hear on an album by the Wiggles. And I absolutely love it.”
10. So Long, It’s Been Good to Know Yuh (Dust Bowl Ballads, 1935)
“Absolutely great song! Keeps me in a good mood & keeps me going. It definitely deserve the crown! I feel like a lot of people can relate to this song very easy too. It’s just, amazing!”
9. Hard, Ain’t It Hard (Folk Masters: Poor Boy, 1941)
“I can listen to this song a thousand time and not get tired of it, it a beautiful combination of rock and soft rock certainly is their best Brilliant, beautiful song— interesting dynamics; builds to that great climax.”
8. Hobo’s Lullaby (This Land is Your Land, 1944)
“This is an unbelievable song. Whenever I hear it, it’s not just a song but an experience. The emotion is so immersive, the vibe so enveloping, that it takes on whatever meaning you wish upon it, and it never diminishes.”
See more: Woody Guthrie Albums Ranked
7. The Sinking of the Reuben James (This Land is Your Land, 1944)
“Such a great song that is timeless, meaningful, beautiful, and both sad and uplifting at the same time. Definitely one of the best songs ever made”
6. Stepstone (Folk Masters: Poor Boy, 1941)
“For me, this is the best song ever. I can listen to this song for hours, because it feels as if the song never really ends. Everyone can relate to this song, I think. And I will keep listening this beautiful song.”
5. What Did the Deep Sea Say? (My Dusty Road, 1944)
“It’s such and simple, moving, effortless love ballad with sweeping orchestral arrangements that make you want to not only sing along with move your hole body to the wave of emotion coming at you.”
4. Do Re Mi (Dust Bowl, 1940)
“This has got to be one of my all time favorite songs. Such an emotionally charged masterpiece with a tangible dichotomy between love and loss. I love this song it what it means.”
See more: John Prine Albums Ranked
3. Dust Bowl Blues (Dust Bowl, 1940)
“This song takes me to a time and place that fills me with joy and melancholy mixed together. So emotional. Lyrics are amazingly written too.”
2. A Picture From Life’s Other Side (This Land is Your Land, 1944)
“A beautiful song that shows the full range of Woody’s voice and the raw emotion he can carry in it. It has a great intro that takes a good amount of time to set up the tone of the song. Inspirational and beautiful message. Incredible song and one of the greatest of his work.”
1. This Land Is Yours (This Land is Your Land, 1944)
“Great, but too much can be grating. It’s not his voice or his playing… it’s just too much Guthrie. Guthrie’s lyrics are intelligent, funny, and heartfelt all at once. What a lovely and delicate balance. This is one of my favorite album covers, it’s on my favorite album cover list.”
