“Big Rock Candy Mountain” isn’t just a whimsical folk song from the early 20th century; it’s a spellbinding ode to a utopian land where life is free and easy. Written by Harry McClintock, the song paints a vivid picture of an idyllic world that hobo dreamers yearned for during America’s Great Depression. For many, it represented an escape from the harsh realities of life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the rich themes behind each verse of “Big Rock Candy Mountain,” uncovering the deeper meaning and cultural significance that have kept this song alive in American folklore.
The Meaning of “Big Rock Candy Mountain” by Harry McClintock
“Big Rock Candy Mountain” by Harry McClintock is more than just a whimsical folk song; it’s a vivid portrayal of the American dream through the eyes of a drifter. The song paints a surreal picture of an idyllic paradise where the sun always shines, the cops have wooden legs, and handouts grow on bushes. It resonates with the longing for freedom and a better life, capturing the essence of the hobo culture during the Great Depression. The lyrics serve as both a fanciful escape from harsh realities and a poignant commentary on the elusive nature of happiness and prosperity. Through its catchy tune and imaginative imagery, “Big Rock Candy Mountain” invites listeners to explore the timeless allure of a utopian world where all troubles disappear, if only in our dreams.
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
One evening as the sun went down
And the jungle fire was burning
Down the track came a hobo hikin’
And he said, “Boys, I’m not turning
I’m headed for a land that’s far away
Beside the crystal fountains
So come with me, we’ll go and see
The Big Rock Candy Mountains”
[Verse 2]
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
[Verse 3]
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 wind don’t blow
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains
[Verse 4]
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
[Verse 5]
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 a-going to stay where you sleep all day
Where they hung the Turk that invented work
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains
[Outro]
I’ll see you all this coming fall
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains
One Evening as the Sun Went Down
The song begins with a simple yet evocative scene-setting. “One evening as the sun went down / And the jungle fire was burning.” Here, we are introduced to a hobo who is hiking down the track, a common sight during the Great Depression. The use of “jungle fire” vividly captures the atmosphere of hobo camps, known colloquially as “jungles.”
The Hobo’s Journey
The hobo in the song is not just physically traveling; he is embarking on a metaphorical quest for a better life. “Down the track came a hobo hikin’ / And he said, ‘Boys, I’m not turning.’” This signifies a resolute determination to leave behind a life of hardship. The line, “I’m headed for a land that’s far away / Beside the crystal fountains,” offers a glimmer of hope and the promise of a utopian paradise.
The Invitation
The hobo’s invitation, “come with me, we’ll go and see / The Big Rock Candy Mountains,” is both tantalizing and inclusive. It’s an offer not just to see a beautiful place but to live a dream. This resonates deeply with anyone who has faced adversity and longed for an escape.
A Land That’s Fair and Bright
Moving into the second verse, McClintock’s lyrics become more detailed, painting the picture of a utopia with sensory richness.
The Handouts Grow on Bushes
“In the Big Rock Candy Mountains / There’s a land that’s fair and bright / Where the handouts grow on bushes.” This whimsical idea of handouts growing on bushes suggests a place of abundance and generosity. It’s a direct contrast to the scarcity and struggle most hobos experienced.
Sleep Out Every Night
The line “And you sleep out every night” may seem to depict the hardships of homelessness. However, within the context of this utopia, it implies a freedom from societal constraints. It’s a world where there’s no need for the shelter of conventional homes because the environment itself is so hospitable.
A Perfect Day, Every Day
“Where the boxcars all are empty / And the sun shines every day.” The image of empty boxcars and constant sunshine signifies a life without the burdens of work or bad weather. It’s a portrayal of endless freedom and perfect conditions.
Birds, Bees, and Cigarette Trees
“The birds and the bees and the cigarette trees” continues the fantastical imagery, blending elements of nature with human comforts.
Lemonade Springs
“The lemonade springs where the bluebird sings / In the Big Rock Candy Mountains.” Lemonade springs and singing bluebirds offer a sensory delight, further deepening the appeal of this utopia. They symbolize sweetness and joy, which are free and abundant.
Cops with Wooden Legs and Rubber Teeth Bulldogs
The third verse takes a humorous turn, depicting a world where even the law and threats are rendered harmless.
Harmless Authority Figures
“In the Big Rock Candy Mountains / All the cops have wooden legs / And the bulldogs all have rubber teeth.” This comical imagery suggests a world where authority figures are ineffective and pose no real threat, emphasizing the freedom and safety of this paradise.
Soft-Boiled Eggs and Fruitful Trees
“And the hens lay soft-boiled eggs / The farmers’ trees are full of fruit / And the barns are full of hay.” These lines depict an effortlessly productive land. Soft-boiled eggs are ready to eat, and the abundance of fruit and hay symbolizes a life where food and resources are easily accessible.
Ideal Climate
“Oh, I’m bound to go where there ain’t no snow / Where the rain don’t fall, the wind don’t blow.” The perfect climate portrayed here further enhances the appeal of the Big Rock Candy Mountains. It’s a place devoid of the harsh weather conditions that made life difficult for hobos.
Streams of Alcohol
The fourth verse introduces the idea of streams flowing with alcohol, adding another layer to the utopian dream.
Unending Indulgence
“In the Big Rock Candy Mountains / You never change your socks / And the little streams of alcohol / Come trickling down the rocks.” This imagery suggests a carefree life where even basic chores like changing socks are unnecessary. Streams of alcohol imply constant indulgence without the usual consequences.
Respect and Blind Bulls
“The brakemen have to tip their hats / And the railroad bulls are blind.” In this utopia, even the harsh enforcers of the railroads show respect, and those who would normally be a threat are rendered powerless.
A Lake of Stew and Whiskey Too
“There’s a lake of stew and of whiskey too / You can paddle all around them in a big canoe.” This is perhaps one of the most fantastical images in the song. A lake of stew and whiskey represents unimaginable abundance and luxury, further enticing listeners into this dream world.
Tin Jails and No Hard Labor
The fifth verse introduces the concept of jails made of tin and the absence of hard labor tools, reinforcing the theme of easy living.
Escaping Punishment
“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.” This suggests that even if one were to be punished, escape is easy and immediate. It’s a world where consequences are mere inconveniences.
Absence of Work
“There ain’t no short-handled shovels / No axes, saws, or picks.” These lines highlight a land free of back-breaking labor. In the context of the Great Depression, this would be an incredibly appealing image for many.
Eternal Rest and Leisure
“I’m a-going to stay where you sleep all day / Where they hung the Turk that invented work.” This final image of eternal rest and leisure, coupled with the humorous idea of punishing the inventor of work, encapsulates the ultimate dream of freedom from toil.
See You in the Fall
The song concludes with a promise of reunion in this idyllic land.
A Hopeful Reunion
“I’ll see you all this coming fall / In the Big Rock Candy Mountains.” This closing line leaves listeners with a sense of hope and anticipation, promising a future meeting in this utopia.
The Cultural Impact of “Big Rock Candy Mountain”
“Big Rock Candy Mountain” has left a lasting impression on American culture and continues to resonate today.
A Symbol of Hope
For many, the song became a symbol of hope and escapism during hard times. It provided a mental refuge from the difficulties of daily life.
Continuing Legacy
The song has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films and TV shows, ensuring its place in American folklore.
Modern Interpretations
Today, “Big Rock Candy Mountain” can be seen as a critique of consumerism and a yearning for a simpler, more fulfilling way of life. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to inspire and comfort people across generations.
Conclusion
“Big Rock Candy Mountain” by Harry McClintock is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a profound reflection on the human desire for a better life. Through whimsical imagery and clever lyrics, McClintock captures the universal longing for freedom, abundance, and happiness. Whether you’re a hobo from the Great Depression or a modern-day dreamer, the song’s message remains relevant and inspiring.
If you’re intrigued by the themes explored in “Big Rock Candy Mountain” and wish to learn more about the cultural significance of folk music, we invite you to explore further resources and join our community discussions. Let’s keep the spirit of hope and imagination alive!
(Word Count: 1750)