Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: singer-songwriter
Song Meaning of “Philadelphia Lawyer” by Woody Guthrie
Philadelphia Lawyer by Woody Guthrie is a story about a man who is representing a working-class family in a court of law. He is a lawyer that acts with great passion and compassion towards his clients, as he puts it “I owe my soul to the company store.” He wants to do right by his clients and make sure that justice is served on their behalf. This man is trying hard to secure a victory for the downtrodden people he is representing, despite the powerful forces of the government and big business that are also present in the court. He specializes in “Philadelphia Lawyer” and the song ends with his hopeful chant of “we’re gonna win.” This song serves as a reminder of the power of being an advocate and fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves. It also is a nod to the importance of representation in the legal system, especially for those who are not in a position of power. All in all, this song encourages the audience to stand up and take action if their voices are not being heard.