Pete Seeger Brought the Full Spirit of This Land Is Your Land to a Historic Inaugural Concert
Pete Seeger’s performance of This Land Is Your Land at the We Are One Presidential Inaugural Concert on January 19, 2009, remains one of the defining musical moments of modern American history. Held at the Lincoln Memorial on the eve of Barack Obama’s inauguration, the concert celebrated unity, hope, and the enduring ideals that have shaped the nation. For many, Seeger’s appearance represented far more than a musical performance. It symbolized the recognition of a lifetime devoted to folk music, social justice, and the belief that songs can inspire meaningful change.
Originally written by Woody Guthrie in 1940, This Land Is Your Land became one of America’s most beloved folk songs. Guthrie first recorded it in 1944 for Folkways Records, although the recording was not released until 1951. Over the decades, the song evolved into a cultural anthem, often performed in schools and public gatherings. However, many popular renditions omitted several verses that reflected Guthrie’s concerns about inequality and the barriers that divided Americans.
Pete Seeger chose to restore those verses during the 2009 performance. Among them was the memorable passage describing a sign marked “Private Property,” followed by the hopeful reminder that the other side “was made for you and me.” By including these lyrics, Seeger honored Guthrie’s original vision, presenting the song as both a celebration of America and a thoughtful call to continue striving for fairness and opportunity for all.
The occasion carried deep personal significance for Seeger. Standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, he performed alongside his grandson, creating a powerful image of one generation passing its musical and moral legacy to the next. The moment reflected Seeger’s lifelong commitment to preserving the traditions of American folk music while encouraging future generations to carry those values forward.
Many people have remembered the performance as an emotional milestone filled with hope and renewal. The sight of Seeger, who had endured decades of criticism and blacklisting during the McCarthy era because of his political beliefs, returning to perform at such a historic national event was widely seen as a remarkable moment of vindication. His presence at the inauguration concert demonstrated how history can eventually recognize voices that once faced exclusion.
Pete Seeger passed away on January 27, 2014, at the age of ninety four, only months after the death of his wife and lifelong partner, Toshi Seeger, on July 9, 2013. Yet his music and message continue to resonate. His performance of This Land Is Your Land endures not only as a tribute to Woody Guthrie’s timeless songwriting but also as a reminder that America’s greatest songs often celebrate both its beauty and its unfinished journey toward equality, compassion, and shared purpose.