Piedmont Raging Grannies Put New Words to a Woody Guthrie Protest Song
A Second World War-era folk song by Woody Guthrie, “All You Fascists Bound to Lose,” has been reinterpreted by the Piedmont Raging Grannies of North Carolina. The Grannies, who have long used music as a vehicle for activism, have adapted the song into a modern protest anthem, with lyrics rewritten by Bette Midler and Eric Kornfeld. This updated version links historical resistance to current political issues, including the 2026 midterm elections.
The Grannies, a group known for blending activism with music, have chosen this song to connect past struggles with present-day challenges. Their energetic vocal delivery and the cumulative energy of their activist heritage transform the song from a traditional folk piece into a vibrant call for civic involvement and social justice.
The performance’s casual and welcoming atmosphere, shown through scenes of elderly women gathered in a warm, intimate space, some with sheet music and others with instruments like banjos and jugs, reinforces the song’s communal and participatory nature. This setting mirrors the original folk tradition, where music served as a means of collective expression and political action.
The song’s structure, featuring a recurring refrain, encourages audience participation and builds a rhythmic drive that supports its message. This repetition not only makes the tune easy to remember but also helps bridge generational gaps, inviting listeners of all ages to join in the effort to advocate for a more equitable society.
The Grannies’ version of the song has gained significant online attention, with over 266,000 views and 51,000 likes on YouTube. This widespread engagement highlights the song’s appeal to a broad audience seeking protest music that addresses current social and political issues.
Watch the performance
Guthrie’s original version established the song as a powerful folk anthem with its memorable melody and strong critique of fascist ideologies during a pivotal historical period. The Grannies’ performance honors this legacy while updating the lyrics to reflect modern social and political concerns, showcasing how folk music evolves to remain relevant.
The Grannies’ harmonies and simple instrumentation focus on accessibility, making the song easy to learn and share as a grassroots rallying cry. This approach aligns with historical social movements that used music as a unifying force and a powerful tool for collective action.
The Piedmont Raging Grannies blend traditional folk elements with modern political themes, continuing a long-standing American legacy of using music for protest. Their performance highlights how music can both honor historical events and motivate future social movements.
The image of elderly women singing together challenges common assumptions about who participates in activism, showing how older generations contribute to social change. Their energetic involvement underscores the importance of intergenerational conversations in tackling current issues.
By linking past and present, the song’s message of resistance against fascism and racism remains relevant as the country moves toward the 2026 midterm elections. The Grannies’ rendition of the song encourages listeners to think about their civic duties and the strength of collective action.
This updated version of the song also shows the collaborative nature of protest music. Bette Midler and Eric Kornfeld’s revision connects artistic creativity with political engagement, proving how reworking old songs can make them fit for today’s challenges.
Filming the performance in the Grannies’ kitchen adds a personal and community-driven feel. This setting emphasizes that political resistance starts at the local level and that everyday people can drive real change.
Traditional instruments like banjos and jugs ground the performance in American folk traditions, while the song’s strong political message places it firmly in today’s cultural conversations, reflecting the ongoing fight against unfairness.
The song’s presence on YouTube and social media allows it to reach a worldwide audience, beyond its original local impact. The high number of views and likes shows how powerful the song is in creating a broad and lasting impact.
The Piedmont Raging Grannies’ performance of “All You Fascists Bound to Lose” exemplifies the adaptability of protest music across generations. By reviving this anti-fascist classic, the group ensures its relevance for contemporary activists, fostering a sense of unity in the face of ongoing struggles.
Two more performances to explore
Hit the Road, ICE!
The Santa Fe Raging Grannies’ performance aligns with the activist tone and folk protest tradition, addressing immigration concerns through a unified, accessible musical framework that emphasizes community and shared experience.
All You Fascists Bound To Lose
The Resistance Revival Chorus presents ‘All You Fascists Bound to Lose’ in a choral format that amplifies the song’s enduring relevance, reflecting Guthrie’s legacy in modern protest music with a collective, resonant sound.
