This machine kills fascists: Happy Birthday Woody
Today, Woody Gurthrie (July 14, 1912 – October 3, 1967) would have celebrated his 100th birthday. Here, is a brief shrine to America’s socialist folk legend.
Jolly Banker
by Woody Guthrie
My name is Tom Cranker and I’m a jolly banker,
I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I safeguard the farmers and widows and orphans,
Singin’ I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
When dust storms are sailing, and crops they are failing,
I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I check up your shortage and bring down your mortgage,
Singin’ I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
When money you’re needing, and mouths you are feeding,
I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I’ll plaster your home with a furniture loan,
Singin’ I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
If you show me you need it, I’ll let you have credit,
I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
Just bring me back two for the one I lend you,
Singin’ I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
When your car you’re losin’, and sadly your cruisin’,
I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I’ll come and forclose, get your car and your clothes,
Singin’ I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
When the bugs get your cotton, the times they are rotten,
I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I’ll come down and help you, I’ll rake you and scalp you,
Singin’ I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
When the landlords abuse you, or sadly misuse you,
I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
I’ll send down the police chief to keep you from mischief,
Singin’ I’m a jolly banker, jolly banker am I.
No doubt Woody inspired the likes of John Mellencamp, among others: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crk_S44RxaQ
The world still needs Woody Guthrie! He stood up for the little man and the working class. He fought for the rights of the common person and helped spread the ideal that this is truly “our land.” I paid tribute to the legendary musician with a portrait of Woody which you can see on my artist’s blog at http://dregstudiosart.blogspot.com/2012/07/woody-guthrie-centennial.html where you can drop by and let me know how Woody’s voice has spoken to you as well.