Artist & Tune
Version by Pete Seeger
Version by Malvina Reynolds
Version by Elvis Costello
Version by The Decemberists
Version by Kate and Anna McGarrigle
Version by Victor Jara
About the Song
Reynolds apperently wrote the song about Daly City, which means McMansions.
The song took on a whole new life when the song was ussed as the theme song for the TV series "Weeds". Different covers were used as opening for diffeent episodes.
Victor Jara wrote a Spanish version titled "Las Casitas del Barrio Alto" (separate page in "The Music Box" on this site)
There's also a French version called "Petites Boites" by New Zealand born singer Graeme Allwright, recorded by Kate & Anna McGarrigle.
Follow the links for lyrics and information on the Spanish and French versions both are very singable translations!
Translation(s)
See Las Casitas del Barrio Alto for Spanish translation.
See "Petites Boites" for French translation.