Big Rock Candy Mountain Burl Ives Lyrics
Introduction
"Big Rock Candy Mountain" is a popular American folk song that was first recorded by Harry McClintock in 1928. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, but the version by Burl Ives is perhaps the most well-known. In this article, we will take a closer look at the lyrics of Burl Ives' version of "Big Rock Candy Mountain."
Verse 1
One evening as the sun went down
And the jungle fire was burning
Down the track came a hobo hiking
And he said, "Boys, I'm not turning
I'm headed for a land that's far away
Besides the crystal fountains
So come with me, we'll go and see
The Big Rock Candy Mountains"
The first verse of the song introduces us to a hobo who is on a journey to a place called the Big Rock Candy Mountains. The hobo invites others to join him on his journey, promising crystal fountains and other wonders.
Chorus
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains
There's a land that's fair and bright
Where the handouts grow on bushes
And you sleep out every night
Where the boxcars all are empty
And the sun shines every day
On the birds and the bees
And the cigarette trees
The lemonade springs
Where the bluebird sings
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains
The chorus of the song describes the wonders of the Big Rock Candy Mountains - a land where everything is perfect and nothing is ever wanting. The handouts grow on bushes, there are no worries about shelter, and even the birds and bees seem to be in a state of eternal bliss.
Verse 2
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains
All the cops have wooden legs
And the bulldogs all have rubber teeth
And the hens lay soft-boiled eggs
The farmers' trees are full of fruit
And the barns are full of hay
Oh, I'm bound to go
Where there ain't no snow
Where the rain don't fall
The winds don't blow
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains
The second verse of the song continues to describe the absurd and wondrous nature of the Big Rock Candy Mountains. Even the cops and dogs are not quite what they seem, and the farmers' trees are bursting with ripe fruit. The hobo is determined to reach this magical land where there is no snow or rain.
Verse 3
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains
You never change your socks
And the little streams of alcohol
Come a-trickling down the rocks
The brakemen have to tip their hats
And the railroad bulls are blind
There's a lake of stew
And of whiskey too
You can paddle all around it
In a big canoe
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains
The third verse of the song continues to describe the idyllic lifestyle of the Big Rock Candy Mountains. Even the brakemen and railroad bulls are friendly, and there is a lake filled with stew and whiskey. The hobo paints a picture of a utopia where all of life's problems are solved.
Conclusion
"Big Rock Candy Mountain" is a classic folk song that has been enjoyed by generations of listeners. Burl Ives' version of the song has become the most well-known, and the lyrics paint a picture of a magical land where everything is perfect. While the song may be a work of fiction, it still holds a special place in the hearts of those who long for a simpler, more idyllic way of life.