Questions about the Song

1: What was the inspiration behind this song?

2: Why do you think this song has a slower tempo? how would the song change if the tempo was faster?

3: What makes this song a protest song?

4: What instruments do you hear?

5: What does the line "where have all the flowers gone" mean?

6: Why do you think this song became so popular?

The Artist

Pete Seeger was born in 1919, in New York city. He is now roughly 92 year old, and still lives in Manhattan NY.  He took up the ukulele when he was young and that lead him to becoming an Iconic folk artist, producing many hits throughout the 1940’s and 50’s. Many of his songs are still popular today in folk music. After the Ukulele, he took up the guitar, piano, guitar, banjo, recorder,  and singing. His music is greatly influenced by antiviolence and politics. Many of his songs are about peace.  His parents were both musicians, however they did not press him to play. He chose to become a musician.  Some of his popular songs: “If I had a hammer” , “Where have all the flowers gone” , “Turn ,Turn, Turn” etc.  He participated in many music festivals and protests.  Not only is he a folk artist, but a well known activist, protesting through his music.