Don't You Push Me Down

Woody Guthrie · Bob Dylan's Woody Guthrie Selection [2010]

Chorus:

Don't you push me, push me, push me,

Don't you push me down.

Don't you push me, push me, push me,

Don't you push me down.

You can play with me,

You can take my hand,

We can skip together

Down to the pretzel stand.

You can wear my mommy's shoes,

You can wear my daddy's hat,

You can even get mad at me,

But don't you push me down.

Chorus

You can play with me,

We can build a house,

You can take my ball,

And bounce it up and down.

You can take my skates,

And ride them all around,

You can even get mad at me,

But don't you push me down.

Chorus

You can play with me,

We can play all day,

You can use may use my dishes,

If you put them away.

You can feed me apples,

Oranges and Plum,.

You can even wash my face,

But don't you push me down.

Chorus

Don't You Push Me Down

Woody Guthrie's "Don't You Push Me Down" stands as a quintessential example of his protest songwriting, delivered with the raw, acoustic energy characteristic of his folk and blues-influenced style. Recorded for Bob Dylan's Woody Guthrie Selection, this track captures Guthrie's signature ability to weave social commentary into accessible melodies that resonated deeply with working-class audiences. The song reflects the turbulent political climate of the mid-20th century, urging listeners to maintain their independence and resist external pressure. As part of Guthrie's extensive discography, the recording exemplifies his commitment to using music as a vehicle for advocacy, influencing generations of folk artists who followed in his footsteps. The song remains a powerful testament to his legacy as a chronicler of the American experience.