The “Big Rock Candy Mountain” lyrics paint a dreamy picture of a hobo’s paradise, where life is easy and carefree. The song describes a magical land with lemonade springs, cigarette trees, and streams of alcohol. It reflects a humorous escape from the struggles of the real world, especially during the Great Depression era.
With whimsical imagery and playful tone, it became a classic American folk song. The lyrics highlight the desire for freedom, comfort, and a break from harsh realities.
big rock candy mountain lyrics
Song credit table for Big Rock Candy Mountain:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Big Rock Candy Mountain |
| Writer | Harry McClintock |
| Performer | Harry McClintock (original recording) |
| Release Year | 1928 |
| Genre | Folk / Americana |
| Label | Victor Talking Machine Company |
| Copyright | Public Domain (original version) |
Lyrics
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“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 wind 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 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 ’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-handle shovels
No axes, saws or picks
I’m a-goin’ 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 comin’ fall
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains”
Summary
The song describes a hobo’s dreamland, a magical place called the Big Rock Candy Mountains. As the sun sets and a jungle fire burns, a wandering hobo shares his vision of a land filled with lemonade springs, cigarette trees, and alcohol streams.
In this fantasy world, there are no hardships—cops are harmless, jails are easy to escape, and work doesn’t exist. Everything is carefree and abundant, from food to freedom. It’s a light-hearted escape from reality, portraying the ideal hobo paradise.
FAQs
What is “Big Rock Candy Mountain” about?
It’s a whimsical song about a hobo’s dream of a carefree, magical land.
Who wrote the lyrics to “Big Rock Candy Mountain”?
The lyrics were written by Harry McClintock in the early 20th century.
What are some key features in the lyrics?
Lemonade springs, cigarette trees, and a land with no work or hardship.
Is “Big Rock Candy Mountain” a children’s song?
Originally for adults, but later versions were made kid-friendly.
What is the message behind the lyrics?
It reflects a humorous escape from reality and the struggles of life.
Conclusion
Big Rock Candy Mountain is more than just a whimsical folk song—it’s a playful reflection of a hobo’s fantasy during hard times. With its vivid imagery and humorous lyrics, it captures the desire for a carefree life free from work, rules, and struggle.
The song remains a timeless symbol of freedom, imagination, and the human wish to escape reality for a sweeter, simpler world.
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