Oh Brother Where Art Thou Big Rock Candy Mountain
"Oh Brother Where Art Thou" is a 2000 comedy-drama film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film is set in the 1930s and follows three escaped convicts who go on a journey to find a hidden treasure. One of the most memorable scenes in the film is the performance of the song "Big Rock Candy Mountain" by the three main characters. In this article, we will explore the history and meaning behind the song "Big Rock Candy Mountain."
The Origins of "Big Rock Candy Mountain"
The origins of "Big Rock Candy Mountain" can be traced back to the early 20th century. The song was first recorded in 1928 by Harry "Haywire Mac" McClintock, a hobo, and a member of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) labor union. The IWW was a radical union that advocated for the overthrow of capitalism and the establishment of a socialist society.
The song was popular among hobos, who were migrant workers that traveled from place to place looking for work during the Great Depression. The lyrics of the song describe a fictional place called "Big Rock Candy Mountain," where everything is perfect and there are no worries or problems. The song became a symbol of hope and escape for many people during a time of great hardship.
The Lyrics of "Big Rock Candy Mountain"
The lyrics of "Big Rock Candy Mountain" describe a utopian society where the sun always shines, the birds always sing, and the rivers are made of lemonade. The streets are paved with gold, and there is plenty of food and drink for everyone. The song is a celebration of freedom and escape from the hardships of everyday life.
The lyrics of the song 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 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.
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 'em
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."
The Meaning of "Big Rock Candy Mountain"
The meaning of "Big Rock Candy Mountain" is open to interpretation. Some people view the song as a celebration of freedom and escape from the hardships of everyday life. Others see it as a critique of capitalism and the false promise of the American Dream.
One interpretation of the song is that it is a critique of the capitalist system. The song describes a utopian society where everything is free and abundant, and there is no need for money or work. This can be seen as a critique of the capitalist system, which is based on the accumulation of wealth and the exploitation of labor.
Another interpretation of the song is that it is a celebration of freedom and escape. The song describes a place where there are no rules or restrictions and where people are free to do as they please. This can be seen as a celebration of the human spirit and a desire for freedom and escape from the constraints of everyday life.
The Legacy of "Big Rock Candy Mountain"
Over the years, "Big Rock Candy Mountain" has become a beloved song that has been covered by many artists. The song has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials. It has become a cultural icon that represents hope, freedom, and escape.
The song has also been criticized for its idealization of a utopian society and its promotion of escapism. Some people argue that the song promotes a false sense of hope and encourages people to ignore the problems of the real world.
Conclusion
"Big Rock Candy Mountain" is a beloved song that has been a symbol of hope and escape for many people throughout history. The song has been interpreted in many different ways, and its meaning is open to interpretation. Whether viewed as a celebration of freedom or a critique of capitalism, the song remains a cultural icon that continues to inspire and entertain people to this day.