The Farmer
Bale Harrison & The Field Hands
(Parody of “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers)
Verse 1:
On a warm summer’s evening, on a tractor bound for nowhere,
I met up with a farmer, we were both too tired to care.
So we took turns a-tillin’, under that old harvest moon,
Till boredom overtook us and he began to croon.
He said, “Son, I’ve made a life out of plantin’ and a-plowin’,
Knowing when to sow those seeds, and when to start a-growin’.
But every farm’s a gamble, some seasons you can’t win,
So if you don’t mind me sayin’, here’s the secret from within.”
Chorus:
You’ve got to know when to plant ’em, know when to pick ’em,
Know when to walk away, and know when to kick ’em.
You never count your bushels when you’re sittin’ on the tractor,
There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the frost is after.
Verse 2:
Now every farmer knows that the land can be a beast,
Sometimes you get a bumper crop, sometimes you’re feastin’ on the least.
But if the rain’s a-fallin’, and the sun is shinin’ bright,
You’ll be out there in the fields, workin’ through the night.
He said, “Now, every acre’s worth its weight in gold and sweat,
But if you push too hard, son, you’ll get nothin’ but regret.
So take this farmer’s wisdom, and heed these words I say,
Sometimes it’s best to let that field just lay.”
Chorus:
You’ve got to know when to plant ’em, know when to pick ’em,
Know when to walk away, and know when to kick ’em.
You never count your bushels when you’re sittin’ on the tractor,
There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the frost is after.
Verse 3:
When he finished speakin’, he turned back to his plow,
Cranked up that old tractor, wiped the sweat from his brow.
And somewhere in the distance, I heard the rooster crow,
And I thought about his wisdom as I watched my crops grow.
So here’s to all the farmers, who live by land and rain,
Keep that plow a-movin’, through the joy and through the pain.
For in this life of soil and toil, you’ve got to understand,
The farmer’s life is simple, but it’s planned by hand.
Chorus:
You’ve got to know when to plant ’em, know when to pick ’em,
Know when to walk away, and know when to kick ’em.
You never count your bushels when you’re sittin’ on the tractor,
There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the frost is after.
Outro:
Yes, there’ll be time enough for countin’ when the frost is after…
This parody of “The Gambler” turns the classic song into a humorous and wise reflection on the life of a farmer. It captures the rhythm and cadence of the original while infusing it with farming wisdom and a touch of satire. The lyrics offer a playful take on the challenges and rewards of working the land, making it a fun and relatable tune for anyone familiar with the farming life.
“The Farmer” by Bale Harrison & The Field Hands: A Tribute to the Backbone of America
“The Farmer” by Bale Harrison & The Field Hands is more than just a country song—it’s an anthem for the hardworking men and women who form the backbone of rural America. With its strong, rustic melody and heartfelt lyrics, this song encapsulates the trials, triumphs, and unyielding spirit of the American farmer.
Bale Harrison, known for his deep, gravelly voice and authentic storytelling, delivers the lyrics with a sincerity that resonates with anyone who has ever set foot on a farm. The song opens with vivid imagery of dawn breaking over fields of golden wheat, setting the stage for a day filled with hard work and dedication. The lyrics paint a picture of a life that, while grueling and often thankless, is also deeply rewarding.
The chorus of “The Farmer” is a powerful reminder of the essential role that farmers play in our society. “With calloused hands and a heart of gold, he works the land, brave and bold. From sunrise to the setting sun, the farmer’s work is never done.” These lines, delivered with a sense of pride and reverence, honor the tireless effort that goes into feeding the nation.
The instrumentation of the song is equally compelling, with twanging guitars, a steady drumbeat, and the occasional harmonica riff adding to the authentic country vibe. The melody is simple yet strong, echoing the resilience of the farmers it celebrates.
In “The Farmer,” Bale Harrison & The Field Hands have crafted a song that not only tells a story but also serves as a tribute to those who toil in the fields day in and day out. It’s a song that reminds us all of the importance of hard work, perseverance, and the deep connection between the land and the people who cultivate it. 
Originally posted 2004-01-31 13:01:03.
