Lyrics To The Big Rock Candy Mountain
"The Big Rock Candy Mountain" is a song that has been around for over a century. The song was first recorded by Harry McClintock in 1928 and has since been covered by many artists. The song tells the story of a hobo's idea of paradise, where the "fences are made of tin" and the "streams are full of whiskey." The song has become a classic and is often sung by campers and hikers as they trek through the wilderness.
The Lyrics
The lyrics to "The Big Rock Candy Mountain" are as follows:
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.
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 are all 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.
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.
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains,
You never change your socks,
And the little streams of alcohol
Come 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 them
In a big canoe
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains.
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains,
The jails are made of tin.
And you can walk right out again,
As soon as you are in.
There ain't no short-handled shovels,
No axes, saws or picks.
I'm bound to stay
Where you sleep all day,
Where they hung the jerk
That invented work
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains.
I'll see you all this coming fall
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains."
The Meaning
The song may seem like a whimsical tale of a hobo's paradise, but it also touches on some deeper themes. The song highlights the hardships faced by hobos during the Great Depression, such as unemployment and homelessness. The song also touches on the idea of escapism, where the hobo dreams of a better life away from the struggles of reality. The song has become a symbol of the hope and longing for a better life, and it continues to be a popular song today.
The Legacy
"The Big Rock Candy Mountain" has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The song has been covered by many artists, including Burl Ives, Pete Seeger, and The Kingston Trio. The song has also been featured in movies, such as "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and "Into the Wild." The song has become a classic and continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
Conclusion
"The Big Rock Candy Mountain" is a timeless song that has captured the hearts of many. The song's whimsical lyrics and catchy tune have made it a favorite among campers and hikers. The song's legacy continues to live on, and it remains a symbol of hope and longing for a better life. So next time you're out in the wilderness, don't forget to sing "The Big Rock Candy Mountain" and dream of a land where the lemonade springs and the cigarette trees grow.