Lyric discussion by limedazzle 

Although it can apply to many things and symbolize many things I have to say that I always think of it as a Native American song in particular.

Especially during live versions when he throws in:

"This land is your land, this land is my land From California, to the New York Island From the redwood forest, to the gulf stream waters"

near the end. I have heard this a couple times and particularly that I can recall during the live Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds show. And this song is partial to America.

On another note, blood in the water is just a phrase for people being killed over something like blood diamonds. Blood on your hands. I think it the phrase "blood in the water" is the simplest way to say something much more meaningful.

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