Union Maid

Woody Guthrie

About Union Maid

"Union Maid" is a union song, with lyrics written by Woody Guthrie in response to a request for a union song from a female point of view. The melody is the 1907 standard "Red Wing" by Kerry Mills, which was in turn adapted from Robert Schumann's piano composition "The Happy Farmer, Returning From Work" in his 1848 Album for the Young, Opus 68. Along with "Talking Union", this song was one of the many pro-union songs written by Guthrie during his time as a member of the Almanac Singers. Another member, Pete Seeger writes, "I'm proud to say I was present when 'Union Maid' was written in June, 1940, in the plain little office of the Oklahoma City Communist Party. Bob Wood, local organizer, had asked Woody Guthrie and me to sing there the night before for a small group of striking oil workers. Early next morning, Woody got to the typewriter and hammered out the first two verses of 'Union Maid' set to a European tune that Robert Schumann arranged for piano ('The Merry Farmer') back in the early 1800s. Of course, it's the chorus that really makes it - its tune, 'Red Wing,' was copyrighted early in the 1900s." 


Year:
1994
2:26
341 
#2

Lyrics currently unavailable…


Woody Guthrie

Woodrow Wilson "Woody" Guthrie (July 14, 1912 – October 3, 1967) was an American singer-songwriter and folk musician whose musical legacy includes hundreds of political, traditional and children's songs, ballads and improvised works. He frequently performed with the slogan This Machine Kills Fascists displayed on his guitar. His best-known song is "This Land Is Your Land." Many of his recorded songs are archived in the Library of Congress. Such songwriters as Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Pete Seeger, Joe Strummer, Billy Bragg, Jeff Tweedy and Tom Paxton have acknowledged Guthrie as a major influence. more »

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20 facts about this song

Historical Context
"Union Maid" is a protest song written in 1940. This period saw a rise in labor conflicts and strikes in America, with workers demanding better conditions and rights.
Song Creators
The song is credited to both the Almanac Singers, a New York-based folk group known for their labor songs and activism, and Woody Guthrie, an iconic folk musician and songwriter.
Lyrics Composition
"Union Maid" is characterized by its empowering lyrics, which focus on the strength and determination of a union woman who refuses to be silenced or intimidated.
Song Inspiration
Woody Guthrie wrote "Union Maid" after a conversation with Aunt Molly Jackson, a union activist, who felt that there was a need for more songs about female union members.
Tune Adaptation
The tune of "Union Maid" is borrowed from the popular religious hymn, "Red River Valley".
Song Influence
The song has remained relevant for decades, continuing to inspire and galvanize union workers around the world. In modern contexts, it has been covered and adapted by various artists, musicians, and activists.
Use in Demonstrations
Due to its strong pro-union message, "Union Maid" has often been used during protests and strikes. It has become something of an anthem for union workers.
Repetition Technique
To make the song easily singable and memorable, Guthrie used repetition in "Union Maid". The chorus repeats after each verse, creating a rallying cry effect that makes the song effective in large group settings.
Song Reception
Despite its overt political message, "Union Maid" is respected as an essential piece of American folk music. Its longevity is testament to its musical quality, as well as its historical and political significance.
Global Reach
Although it was written primarily for an American audience, "Union Maid" resonates with workers and union members globally. It has been sung and echoed in labor movements around the world, from South America to Europe and Asia.
Composition
"Union Maid" was written by legendary folk musician Woody Guthrie in 1940. He composed the song to highlight the struggles and victories of women labor union activists.
Song History
Although Guthrie wrote the song, it was first recorded by the Almanac Singers, a group of musicians which included Guthrie himself. The song has since been covered by many artists.
Lyrics
The song's refrain, "Oh, you can't scare me, I'm sticking to the union," became a rallying cry for workers across the United States.
Music Style
The song reflects Guthrie's trademark folk style, characterized by simple melodies and storytelling lyrics that focus on social justice and the experiences of the working class.
Connection with Political Movements
This song became synonymous with the labor movement and feminism during the mid-20th century. It has been adopted by several unions and women's rights movements as their anthem.
Song Inspiration
The song was inspired by real women involved in the labor movement at the time. It's significant because it provides an insight into the role of women in labor unions in the early 20th century.
Place in Popular Culture
Over the years, "Union Maid" has been sung at countless demonstrations, political rallies, and in many other public settings.
Parodies and Versions
"Union Maid" has been parodied and redone innumerable times, often with lyrics changed to suit the specific context or cause. For instance, in 1968, The Redwoods, a folk-rock band, recorded a version of "Union Maid" with new lyrics in support of the UFW grape boycott.
Guthrie's Legacy
The song is just one example of the long-lasting impact of Woody Guthrie's socially-conscious music. He has influenced countless artists and continues to be a beloved figure in American music history.
Song's Influence
"Union Maid" is considered an iconic protest song and has influenced many subsequent anthems promoting labor rights. It continues to be sung in her honor and in respect for those fighting for workers' rights worldwide.

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