I wrote this song in response to reading John Steinbeck's novel, The Grapes of Wrath. So much has been written about the novel and its depiction of rural America during the Great Depression, but it's truly a novel that deserves every bit of its stellar reputation. Woody Guthrie and Bruce Springsteen have both written great songs about the novel and particularly the protagonist, Tom Joad. My favorite character in the novel is Tom's sister, Rose of Sharon Rivers ("Rosasharn"), and I decided that it was time for Rosasharn to get some recognition.
Rosasharn is pregnant throughout much of the novel, and as a newly-wed teenager who has suddenly been forced to grow up very quickly, she struggles to accept her situation. Life is difficult for the Joads as they travel to California in search of jobs and a new home, but it is particularly difficult for Rosasharn who is often portrayed as weak and victimized. Her husband deserts her and her child is stillborn, but rather than allowing this adversity to embitter her, Rosasharn triumphantly emerges as a symbol of the healing power of selfless communal love.
My wife was pregnant with our first child during the time when I read the novel and wrote this song, and at the same time my sister was facing some of the same challenges that Rosasharn endured. This song is dedicated to these two special women and their incredible strength of spirit.
lyrics
Growin' up in the dustbowl must have been mighty hard
'specially for you, Rosasharn, Rosasharn
Them greedy ol' banks went and stole all your corn
and sent your family packin' way out to Californ'
Woody Guthrie sang about your brother Tommy Joad,
but he forgot about the woman who was travelin' down the road
Rosasharn, Rosasharn what you gonna do?
Rosasharn, Rosasharn, your time's a-comin' soon
Them Joads was always wonderin' when you'd cease to be a girl,
but Rosasharn you went and showed the world
Rosasharn you went and showed the world
Them folks they called you Okies them folks they called you hicks
as you was ramblin' day and night all along Route 66
When you finally hit Bakersfield you was feelin' mighty ill,
but the land of milk and honey didn't have a drop of milk
Woody Guthrie sang about your brother Tommy Joad,
but he forgot about the woman who was travelin' down the road
That no-good dreamer Connie left you and your baby child
You was hungry, you was sick, you was wishin' you had died
Then along came a flood just like in Bible times
and you gave up all your self just to reach out to mankind
Woody sang about Tom's strength, he sang about Tom's guile,
but he forgot about you and your mysterious smile
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