Alternatives Quote by Woody Guthrie
“You oil field workers, come and listen to me I'm goin' to tell you a story about old John D. That company union made a fool out of me. That company union don't charge no dues It leaves you a-singing them Rockefeller blues. That company union made a fool out of me. Takes that good ole C.I.O., boys To keep that oil a-rollin', rollin' over the sea. Takes that good ole C.I.O., boys To keep that oil a-rollin' over the sea.”
About This Quote
Source Song: "Old John D." by Woody Guthrie, 1940s
The lyrics criticize a company union that exploits workers, contrasting it with the more genuine labor movement of the CIO, and highlight the exploitation of oil workers.
In simple terms: Company unions exploit workers, unlike true unions.
Key Takeaway
Beware of deceptive labor groups.
Themes
labor
exploitation
unionism
oil industry
songwriting
Mood
defiant
reflective
Type
political
folk
protest
When to use this quote
- oil fields
- union organizing
- workers' rights
- song performance
Key Concepts
class struggle
false representation
solidarity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can workers identify genuine unions?
- What alternatives exist to company unions?
A Different Perspective
The song may romanticize labor struggle without addressing broader economic forces.
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