“ East Texas Red “ was written by Woody Guthrie in 1945 This story of the killing of a railroad brakeman apparently was written as a metaphor for the U.S. involvement in defeating Nazi Germany. Though initially against World War II, Woody served as a merchant marine and sang in support of the war effort. W oodrow Wilson Guthrie (July 14, 1912 – October 3, 1967) was an American singer-songwriter, who is considered one of the most significant figures in American western folk music. His music, including songs such as “This Land Is Your Land”, has inspired several generations both politically and musically.