I saw Pete Seeger in Seattle about 15 years ago with Ani DiFranco and several other musicians. They did a version of “We Shall Overcome" that absolutely stunned the entire concert hall, with everybody holding hands and singing along in one of those powerful and electric moments that can happen when humans connect over music.
This clip is from the 2009 inauguration of newly elected President Obama. Pete Seeger came to play a little music with Bruce Springsteen, Seeger's grandson Tao, and many others. Originally written by Woody Guthrie, whom Seeger performed with many times, it's a powerful version of “This Land Is Your Land," with lyrics (including the frequently forgotten last few stanzas!) below the video. As always, Pete tried to get the crowd to sing along, shouting out the lyrics so they could all join in.
This Land Is Your Land
Words and music by Woody Guthrie
This land is your land
This land is my land
From California to the New York island;
From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me.
As I was walking that ribbon of highway,
I saw above me that endless skyway:
I saw below me that golden valley:
This land was made for you and me.
I've roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts;
And all around me a voice was sounding:
This land was made for you and me.
When the sun came shining, and I was strolling,
And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling,
As the fog was lifting a voice was chanting:
This land was made for you and me.
As I went walking I saw a sign there
And on the sign it said "No Trespassing."
But on the other side it didn't say nothing,
That side was made for you and me.
In the shadow of the steeple I saw my people,
By the relief office I seen my people;
As they stood there hungry, I stood there asking
Is this land made for you and me?
Nobody living can ever stop me,
As I go walking that freedom highway;
Nobody living can ever make me turn back
This land was made for you and me.