“Do Re Mi” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a poignant snapshot of a challenging era in American history, penned by the legendary Woody Guthrie. This folk anthem, with its deceptively simple melody, tells a powerful story about the harsh realities faced by those seeking a better life during the Dust Bowl era and the Great Depression. Let’s delve into the lyrics of this iconic song and explore its enduring message.
Do Re Mi Song Lyrics by Woody Guthrie
Lots of folks back East, they say, is leavin' home every day,
Beatin' the hot old dusty way to the California line.
'Cross the desert sands they roll, gettin' out of that old dust bowl,
They think they're goin' to a sugar bowl, but here's what they find
Now, the police at the port of entry say, "You're number fourteen thousand for today."
Oh, if you ain't got the do re mi, folks, you ain't got the do re mi,
Why, you better go back to beautiful Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Georgia, Tennessee.
California is a garden of Eden, a paradise to live in or see;
But believe it or not, you won't find it so hot
If you ain't got the do re mi.
You want to buy you a home or a farm, that can't deal nobody harm,
Or take your vacation by the mountains or sea.
Don't swap your old cow for a car, you better stay right where you are,
Better take this little tip from me.
'Cause I look through the want ads every day
But the headlines on the papers always say:
If you ain't got the do re mi, boys, you ain't got the do re mi,
Why, you better go back to beautiful Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Georgia, Tennessee.
California is a garden of Eden, a paradise to live in or see;
But believe it or not, you won't find it so hot
If you ain't got the do re mi.
© Copyright 1961 (renewed) by Woody Guthrie Publications, Inc. & TRO-Ludlow Music, Inc. (BMI)This stark portrayal of the migrant experience is typical of Woody Guthrie’s work, a voice for the common person and a chronicler of American hardship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the mass migration from the Dust Bowl states to California, fueled by the promise of jobs and a better life, a dream that quickly collided with reality.
The repeated chorus, “If you ain’t got the do re mi,” is the heart of the song’s message. “Do Re Mi” here isn’t about musical scales; it’s slang for money, or the lack thereof. Guthrie uses the familiar musical notes to symbolize the basic financial requirements for survival and opportunity. The song bluntly warns those dreaming of California that without money, the “garden of Eden” will be far from paradise.
The verses detail the disillusionment faced upon arrival. Migrants were met not with open arms, but with overwhelmed resources and a stark economic reality. The line “You’re number fourteen thousand for today” underscores the sheer volume of people seeking entry and the daunting competition for scarce resources. The song advises people to stay put if they lack financial means, dispelling the romanticized image of California as a land of easy prosperity.
Guthrie’s genius lies in his ability to blend social commentary with accessible folk melodies. “Do Re Mi” is both a catchy tune and a powerful statement about economic inequality and the broken promises of the American Dream for many during the Great Depression. It serves as a reminder that opportunity is not always freely available and that economic barriers can prevent people from accessing even the most idealized places.
Even decades later, the “Do Re Mi” song lyrics resonate. The song’s themes of economic migration, the struggle for opportunity, and the gap between perception and reality remain relevant in contemporary society. Woody Guthrie’s “Do Re Mi” is not just a historical artifact; it’s a timeless song that encourages critical reflection on economic justice and the pursuit of a better life.
