Jeffrey, thank you for this link. Yes, it's quite similar (must have been influence by Union Maid). It looks like they released the song in 1973. At that time, the Prime Minister, Edward Heath, wanted to control wages as a way to reign in inflation. Many unions went on strike. Did this song come out of that struggle?
Wow. What a fine post, with some fascinating background about a wonderful song.
May I add some minor color commentary about the song's origins (maybe just because I'm a pedant, but I'd also like to think some readers of this thread may be interested)?
Once, after a concert, Woody Guthrie was "accosted" by a woman in the audience, who respectfully challenged him about why his union songs were only about men and not about women "who are working just as hard as some of these guys." Woody went home and, that night, sitting around with Pete Seeger and others, wrote Union Maid.
This is the story, as told by Woody's son, Arlo: https://youtu.be/Ni6-ditmXZo?si=VkK49sOc_wcdlsrK&t=98 👀 If you enjoy Arlo, watch through his rendition of Union Maid for his follow-up story about the genesis of Woody's song, The Ladies' Auxiliary (It's a Good Auxiliary). 😂
Always loved this song—and now with the new life blooming in the union movement, it’s still relevant. The goons and geeks may be sitting in corporate boardrooms, but the point is the same.
Great post and wonderful song that unfortunately will always be timely - Woody was such a treasure - he fought so hard for common people, it's no wonder he had such a difficult life.
Mark, thanks. I will add this to my list. Great story behind those lyrics... of thousands of workers who traveled to other places in search of work for themselves and their families, and the difficulties they faced.
Excellent post. I grew up listening to this song by the Strawbs, which is uncannily similar in parts to the Guthrie song https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Part_of_the_Union
Jeffrey, thank you for this link. Yes, it's quite similar (must have been influence by Union Maid). It looks like they released the song in 1973. At that time, the Prime Minister, Edward Heath, wanted to control wages as a way to reign in inflation. Many unions went on strike. Did this song come out of that struggle?
I think that's highly likely. It's sad to reflect that support for unions was more mainstream then than it is now.
Times ebb and flow. That support is bound to come back at some point!
Woodie did it again! Another catchy, rebel-rouser!
Wow. What a fine post, with some fascinating background about a wonderful song.
May I add some minor color commentary about the song's origins (maybe just because I'm a pedant, but I'd also like to think some readers of this thread may be interested)?
Once, after a concert, Woody Guthrie was "accosted" by a woman in the audience, who respectfully challenged him about why his union songs were only about men and not about women "who are working just as hard as some of these guys." Woody went home and, that night, sitting around with Pete Seeger and others, wrote Union Maid.
This is the story, as told by Woody's son, Arlo: https://youtu.be/Ni6-ditmXZo?si=VkK49sOc_wcdlsrK&t=98 👀 If you enjoy Arlo, watch through his rendition of Union Maid for his follow-up story about the genesis of Woody's song, The Ladies' Auxiliary (It's a Good Auxiliary). 😂
WONDERFUL!!!! Everyone, you HAVE to click on that link and enjoy Arlo's story.
Bob, thank you SO much for your comments. I'd read that story somewhere and am so glad you included it here.
Always loved this song—and now with the new life blooming in the union movement, it’s still relevant. The goons and geeks may be sitting in corporate boardrooms, but the point is the same.
Ha ha! Right you are, Kathy.
Great post and wonderful song that unfortunately will always be timely - Woody was such a treasure - he fought so hard for common people, it's no wonder he had such a difficult life.
And he left a wealth of songs for us to sing and learn from!
Including Pastures of Plenty, one of my favorites.
Mark, thanks. I will add this to my list. Great story behind those lyrics... of thousands of workers who traveled to other places in search of work for themselves and their families, and the difficulties they faced.
I'm glad you like it.