Woody Guthrie

Lyrics

7 ContributorsI Ain’t Got No Home In This World Anymore LyricsI ain't got no home, I'm just a-roamin' 'round
Just a wandrin' worker, I go from town to town
And the police make it hard wherever I may go
And I ain't got no home in this world anymore

My brothers and my sisters are stranded on this road
A hot and dusty road that a million feet have trod
Rich man took my home and drove me from my door
And I ain't got no home in this world anymore
Was a-farmin' on the shares, and always I was poor
My crops I lay into the banker's store
My wife took down and died upon the cabin floor
And I ain't got no home in this world anymore

I mined in your mines and I gathered in your corn
I been working, mister, since the day I was born
Now I worry all the time like I never did before
Cause I ain't got no home in this world anymore

Now as I look around, it's mighty plain to see
This world is such a great and a funny place to be
Oh, the gamblin' man is rich an' the workin' man is poor
And I ain't got no home in this world anymore

Welcome to my 1000-word exploration of the iconic song, "I Ain't Got No Home In This World Anymore" by the legendary folk artist Woody Guthrie. In this article, I will delve into the origins, significance, and impact of this timeless piece of music that has resonated with audiences for decades. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's dive into the world of Woody Guthrie and his influential song.

About "I Ain't Got No Home In This World Anymore"

Written by Woody Guthrie in 1938 and later featured on his acclaimed 1940 album, "Dust Bowl Ballads," "I Ain't Got No Home In This World Anymore" stands as an enduring testament to Guthrie's immense songwriting talent and his ability to capture the essence of a particular time in American history.

Guthrie's first commercial recording, "Dust Bowl Ballads," became his most successful album, and "I Ain't Got No Home In This World Anymore" played a crucial role in its popularity. This song, in particular, is now recognized as one of the pioneering concept albums of its time, showcasing Guthrie's storytelling prowess and his empathy for the marginalized working class.

The album, originally released as two three-disc collections of 78 RPM records, instantly resonated with listeners, propelling Guthrie to the forefront of the folk music movement and solidifying his place in American music history.

The Dust Bowl Era

To truly appreciate the significance of "I Ain't Got No Home In This World Anymore," one must understand the context in which it was written. The 1930s witnessed one of the most devastating environmental catastrophes in American history – the Dust Bowl.

During this period, severe drought and poor farming practices led to the erosion of topsoil in the Great Plains, primarily affecting states such as Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. The resulting massive dust storms displaced thousands of families, leaving them homeless and destitute.

Woody Guthrie, having experienced the hardships of the Dust Bowl firsthand, absorbed the struggles of the downtrodden and channeled their stories into his music. "I Ain't Got No Home In This World Anymore" encapsulates the despair, displacement, and resilience of those affected by the Dust Bowl.

The Essence of the Song

Through heartfelt lyrics and a poignant melody, Guthrie paints a vivid picture of the disenfranchised souls he encountered during this tumultuous period. The song resonates with a profound sense of loss and hopelessness, conveying the feeling of being adrift without a place to call home.

Guthrie's raw and authentic delivery captures the desperation faced by those affected by the Dust Bowl, as well as the larger phenomenon of societal displacement. His words speak directly to the experiences of the dispossessed, instilling a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among listeners.

Furthermore, "I Ain't Got No Home In This World Anymore" highlights Guthrie's own navigation through the changing landscape of America during this era. It serves as a powerful testimony to his empathy and his ability to give voice to the voiceless.

Influence and Legacy

The impact of "I Ain't Got No Home In This World Anymore" extends far beyond its initial release. The song has become a cornerstone of American folk music, inspiring countless artists in Guthrie's wake.

Guthrie's honest and unfiltered approach to songwriting laid the foundations for subsequent generations of musicians to explore social and political issues through their art. His style and message have left an indelible mark on the folk and protest music movements that followed.

Decades later, artists like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Joan Baez would credit Guthrie as a significant influence on their own music. His legacy lives on through the continued relevance of his songs and the enduring themes he tackled.

The Universal Appeal

What makes "I Ain't Got No Home In This World Anymore" truly remarkable is its ability to transcend time and resonate with listeners today. Despite being written in the 1930s, the song speaks to universal experiences of displacement, isolation, and the longing for a sense of belonging.

As societal and economic landscapes continue to shift, songs like this one remind us of the enduring power of music to touch our souls and evoke empathy for the struggles of others.

In Closing

Woody Guthrie's "I Ain't Got No Home In This World Anymore" stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human condition and the enduring power of music to convey the deepest emotions. Its timeless message of alienation and hopelessness resonates even today, reminding us of the collective journey we all undertake to find our place in the world.

So, the next time you find yourself yearning for a glimpse into the past or seeking solace in the stories of others, turn on Guthrie's masterpiece and let the music transport you to a time long gone, yet still relevant in our collective memory.

And there you have it – a glimpse into the captivating world of "I Ain't Got No Home In This World Anymore" by Woody Guthrie. I hope this journey through history and music has left you with a newfound appreciation for the power of song and the undeniable influence of one man's voice.

• Release Date: July 1, 1940
• Artist: Woody Guthrie