State Historical Society of Iowa

"I'd Rather Not Be On Relief," Dust Bowl Migrant Song, 1938

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Courtesy of Library of Congress, "I'd Rather Not Be On Relief," Dust Bowl Migrant Song, 1938

Description

This 1938 song, written by Hunter Lester, reflects the struggles of the Dust Bowl migrant experience in the government sponsored migrant camp located in Shafter, California. (Note: The W.P.A. mentioned refers to the Works Progress Administration, a federal work program that employed millions that lost their jobs due to the Great Depression. The C.I.O. refers to the Committee for Industrial Organization, a labor union that organized unskilled workers during the same time period).

Full transcript coming soon.

Printable Excerpt of "Big Dust Storm Hits Project Sun. Afternoon"

Source Dependent Questions

  • How does Hunter portray "the farmer?" How does Hunter portray migrant workers like himself? What does this portrayal suggest about the relationship between the two?
  • What challenges did migrant workers face, according to Hunter? How did they attempt to overcome them?
  • Use specific evidence from the song to explain how it helps you understand the Dust Bowl migrant experience.

Citation Information

Hunter, Lester. "I'd Rather Not be on Relief." Shafter FSA Camp, California, 1938. Courtesy of Library of Congress Courtesy of Library of Congress