Station Break: Big Rock Candy Mountain

Posted by: Heather on Oct 24 2008

Harry McClintock.  Who you ask?  Harry McClintock was a folk/country singer who was the first person to record Big Rock Candy Mountain.  He originally recorded it back in 1928.  Most people would recognize it from the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”.  I know what you are thinking, “Gee, thanks for the Jeopardy trivia, but what does this have to do with anything?”  Well, Big Rock Candy Mountain happens to be one of my favorite songs on my 4GB Zune!!!  Its easily top 5.  To go with this statement, I also have to say that I’m not a fan of folk or country music.  So, why do I love this song?  The song has an excellent story talking about a hobo’s utopia.  When work is getting you down, and you just want to escape, I think of Big Rock Candy Mountain.  I can honestly say I listen to it 5 or 6 times in a row all the time.  Its got a very catchy tune that sticks in your head, and its easy to sing along to.  No matter what mood I am in, I can listen to this song.  Everyone should have this on their mp3 player.  Here is a sample of some of my favorite lyrics:

“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”

Who doesn’t want to paddle around in a lake of whiskey and of stew.  Plus, earlier in the song, he mentions “the lemonade springs”, which is perfect for mixing with the whiskey.  What’s the weather like at the Big Rock Candy Mountain?  I am so glad you asked.

 ”And the sun shines every day…

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.”

I bet your also wondering what kind of jobs they have at Big Rock Candy Mountain?  Well, that is the best part!!!

“There ain’t no short-handled shovels,
No axes, saws nor 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.”

 Who wouldn’t want to live in Big Rock Candy Mountain?  So, if anyone finds its exact location, please contact me.  In the meantime, check out the song.

Complete lyrics to Big Rock Candy Mountain

Purchase Big Rock Candy Mountain by Harry McClintock (aka Haywire Mac) from Amazon for $0.99

 

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