The People's National Anthem
We have an official National Anthem, the one they play at the ball games. But we do not have a people’s national anthem, one that captures the real spirit of American society.
So here are my nominees for The People’s National Anthem. There are four, because it takes that many to encompass the great diversity and energy of this country. They are listed in the order in which they were composed and recorded, and not in any order of priority. And everyone can play. Create your own list of The People's National Anthem.
Woody Guthrie, This Land is Your Land
Guthrie’s great song has almost earned the status of an anthem simply on the basis of its beauty and vision of an egalitarian society – a land that belongs to you and me.
Chuck Berry, Johnny B. Goode
Chuck Berry’s song, with its fabulous guitar intro, captures the hopes and dreams of Americans: just an ordinary guy – “a country boy” – who dreams that one day “his name will be in lights.”
Richard Berry / The Kingsmen, Louie Louie
Louie Louie has become a populist classic because it captures the anarchic energy that has driven not just so much rock and roll but also the dreams and drive of so many Americans. Please note: Richard Berry’s 1955 original version is gentler and more melodic that the 1963 Kingsmen version that most people are familiar with and which really captures the anarchic spirit.
Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run
What can we say? A “runaway American dream.” That’s it, right there. Born to run? This song was born to be an anthem.