The Meaning Behind The Song: Pretty Boy Floyd by Utah Phillips
| Title | Pretty Boy Floyd |
|---|---|
| Artist | Utah Phillips |
| Writer/Composer | Woody Guthrie |
| Album | Making Speech Free (1999) |
When it comes to folk music, Utah Phillips is a name that cannot be overlooked. His ability to capture the essence of storytelling and connect with his audience is unmatched. One of his most notable interpretations is “Pretty Boy Floyd,” originally written by Woody Guthrie. In this article, we delve into the meaning behind the song and its enduring relevance.
Listening to the lyrics of “Pretty Boy Floyd,” we are transported to a different era, where outlaws and lawmen clashed in the heartland of America. The song tells the tale of Charles Arthur Floyd, a notorious outlaw who became known as Pretty Boy Floyd. The narrative takes place in Oklahoma during the early 1930s, a time of great economic hardship and social unrest. Pretty Boy Floyd, despite being branded a criminal, also had a reputation for helping the less fortunate.
The song begins by introducing the titular character and his notoriety among the people of Oklahoma. Pretty Boy Floyd was considered both an outlaw and a folk hero, depending on who you asked. While the law enforcement portrayed him as a danger to society, the song sheds light on his sympathetic side. It recounts an incident where a deputy sheriff rudely approached Floyd and his wife. Floyd, in defense of his wife, engaged in a fight with the deputy, ultimately overpowering him.
After this altercation, Pretty Boy Floyd took to a life on the run, hiding in the trees and timbers. Despite his criminal activities, the song emphasizes the positive impact he had on the lives of struggling families. Many turned to Floyd for help, as he would pay off their mortgage and save their little homes. Others tell tales of a stranger who arrived in town, begging for a meal, and left behind a significant sum of money under a napkin. Pretty Boy Floyd’s actions blurred the lines between crime and charity.
The narrative takes a poignant turn on Christmas Day, where a carload of groceries arrives in Oklahoma City with a note from Pretty Boy Floyd. The note challenges the perception of him as an outlaw and thief, as it aims to provide Christmas dinners for families in need. This act of kindness showcases Floyd’s compassion and contradicts the stereotypes attached to his name.
Listening to “Pretty Boy Floyd” by Utah Phillips allows me to connect with the struggles faced by individuals during the Great Depression. The song highlights the desperation of the times and the lengths to which people would go to survive. It prompts reflection on the thin line between heroism and criminality, as well as the power of compassion in the face of adversity.
There is a certain timelessness to “Pretty Boy Floyd.” The themes it explores resonate with the present-day struggle for equality and economic justice. It serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and the impact one individual can have on the lives of many. While folklore often romanticizes outlaws, this song goes beyond the criminal facade and humanizes Pretty Boy Floyd.
Utah Phillips’ rendition of “Pretty Boy Floyd” captures the spirit and essence of Woody Guthrie’s original composition. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its ability to transcend time and evoke emotions that are still relevant today. It serves as a testament to the power of music to tell stories, create empathy, and inspire change.
In conclusion, “Pretty Boy Floyd” by Utah Phillips is more than just a folk song; it is a window into the struggles and complexities of a bygone era. Its meaning extends beyond the tale of an infamous outlaw, reminding us of the importance of compassion, community, and the continuous fight for justice.
