Grand Coulee Dam (song)

"Grand Coulee Dam" is a song written by Woody Guthrie in 1941 as part of a larger project commissioned by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to promote the benefits of hydroelectric power and irrigation in the Pacific Northwest. The song celebrates the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River in Washington State and its anticipated positive impact on the region's economy and people.

The lyrics describe the scale and ambition of the dam project, highlighting the engineering marvel and the labor involved in its construction. Guthrie's verses paint a picture of fertile land and abundant crops made possible by the dam's irrigation capabilities, as well as affordable electricity for homes and industries. The song's optimistic tone reflects the prevailing belief in technological progress and the power of human ingenuity to improve living conditions.

"Grand Coulee Dam" is often considered a folk song and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. It is frequently performed and included in collections of American folk music and songs about infrastructure and development. Although the song celebrates the positive aspects of the dam, contemporary discussions about the Grand Coulee Dam often acknowledge its environmental and social consequences, including the displacement of Native American tribes and the disruption of salmon runs. These criticisms provide a counterpoint to Guthrie's initial optimistic vision.