The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn (Live) Lyrics
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Lyrics
Tell You a little story and it won't take long,
'Bout a lazy farmer who wouldn't hoe his corn.
The reason why I never could tell,
That young man was always well.
He planted his corn in the month of June.
By July it was up to his eyes.
Come September, came a big frost.
And all the young man's corn was lost.
His story, kith, had just begun.
Said: "Young man, have you hoed some corn?"
"Well I tried and I tried, and I tried in vain.
"But I don't believe I raised no grain."
He went down town to his neighbour's door.
Where he had often been before.
Sayin': "Pretty little miss, will you marry me?"
"Little miss what do you say?"
"Why do you come for me to wed?
"You, can't even make your own corn grain.
"Single I am, and will remain.
"A lazy man, I won't maintain."
He turned his back and walked away.
Sayin: "Little miss, you'll rue the day.
"You'll rue the day that you were born.
"For givin' me the devil 'cos I wouldn't hoe corn."
Song & Lyrics Facts
Alison Krauss & Union Station's "The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn (Live)" is a live version of the traditional folk song. It was released on July 29, 2002 as part of their album Live and features Alison Krauss on vocals and fiddle, Dan Tyminski on guitar and lead vocal, Ron Block on banjo, Barry Bales on bass, and Jerry Douglas on Dobro.
The lyrics tell the story of a young man who refuses to hoe corn for his father and instead runs away to join the army. In spite of being warned about the dangers he will face in battle, he insists that it is better than working in the fields. The song has become an American classic, with its themes of independence, rebellion, and adventure.