Citizen By Crys Matthews Is A Bold Modern Reimagining Of Folk History

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Crys Matthews has released Citizen—a brilliant, modern reimagining of Woody Guthrie’s iconic folk anthem Deportee that honors human dignity and sparks essential conversations about justice today.

A vital voice in modern roots music is making waves with a powerful new release. Nashville-based singer-songwriter Crys Matthews—a proud Black woman, lesbian, and fierce social justice advocate—has officially dropped a compelling double single. The release features a poignant cover of Ed McCurdy’s classic anti-war anthem “Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream” alongside a deeply resonant derivative work of Woody Guthrie’s iconic “Deportee,” which Matthews has retitled “Citizen.”

The heavy-hitting release arrives on the heels of a major career milestone: Matthews recently signed an exclusive publishing and recording agreement with TRO Essex Music Group and its label arm, Shamus Records. The signing places her in legendary company, joining a historic roster that includes icons like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath.

Redefining a Folk Legend: The Story Behind “Citizen”

The standout track “Citizen,” which features the powerful harmonies of the Resistance Revival Chorus, was born out of a direct response to modern political climates. Witnessing escalating hostilities and tracking the shifting political intentions toward immigrant populations, Matthews found her mind drifting back to Woody Guthrie’s original masterpiece.

Guthrie penned “Deportee” to honor the tragic loss of over 30 migrant workers killed in the Los Gatos plane wreck, a song written to give dignity back to people who were treated as nameless casualties. However, Matthews realized that a contemporary take required a different perspective. She observed that many of the modern indignities aimed at immigrant communities are also being wrongfully directed at individuals who are already legal citizens of the United States.

Drawing from her background as a Black Southerner, Matthews felt a historical weight when witnessing modern demands for identification papers. Driven by the belief that human dignity is absolute—regardless of what an individual contributes economically—she sought to restructure the song. The goal of “Citizen” was to protect as much of Guthrie’s original, vital prose as possible while expanding the narrative to reflect the harsh realities faced by immigrant neighbors today, ultimately aiming to spark essential community conversations.

A Prayer for Peace: “Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream”

The second half of the double single offers a stunningly stripped-back and emotional rendition of Ed McCurdy’s legendary folk song. The track carries a deeply personal weight for Matthews, who witnessed its emotional impact firsthand when playing it for her mother, a minister. Her mother noted that the rendition felt less like a simple song and more like a collective prayer.

Matthews believes the enduring appeal of McCurdy’s work lies entirely in its stark simplicity. In an era where advocates are actively marching, calling politicians, and demanding systemic change, the track serves as a beautiful, hopeful blueprint. It asks listeners to imagine the boundless potential of a world that simply agrees to abandon warfare entirely.

An Award-Winning Legacy in the Making

Matthews’ complex musical style seamlessly weaves together elements of Country, Americana, Folk, Blues, and Bluegrass. By pairing traditional, comforting melodies with devastatingly honest, original lyrics, she has solidified her reputation as a modern-day troubadour of truth.

The music industry has taken note of her formidable talent. Matthews holds the distinction of being named the 2024 Artist of the Year at the International Folk Music Awards. Furthermore, she made history as the very first artist to secure the prestigious Song of the Year honor twice since the category’s inception, taking home the trophy in both 2022 and 2025.

Dedicated to amplifying the voices of the unheard and illuminating the struggles of the unseen, Matthews continues to use her platform to prove that love, empathy, and hope remain the most effective tools for achieving true social equity and justice.

Find more from Crys Matthews now:

https://www.crysmatthews.com/tour

https://www.instagram.com/crysmatthews

https://www.tiktok.com/@crysmatthewsmusic