About the song
Harry McClintock’s “The Big Rock Candy Mountain” is a whimsical and enduring folk song that paints a vivid picture of an idealized paradise for those down on their luck. Originally written and recorded by McClintock himself in 1928, the song has since become a classic in American folk music, captivating listeners with its humorous lyrics and catchy melody.
“The Big Rock Candy Mountain” gained popularity during the Great Depression era as it resonated with the desire for escape from economic hardship. McClintock’s playful yet poignant lyrics describe a fantastical land where “the sun shines every day, the birds and the bees, and the cigarette trees” abound, offering a stark contrast to the harsh realities of the time.
McClintock, known for his storytelling prowess and distinctive voice, recorded the song on several occasions throughout his career, solidifying its place in folk music history. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the decades, further cementing its status as a beloved folk standard.
“The Big Rock Candy Mountain” continues to charm audiences with its timeless appeal and imaginative narrative. It has been featured in various films, television shows, and cultural references, maintaining its relevance across generations. Its enduring popularity speaks to its ability to evoke nostalgia and a sense of whimsy, making it a cherished part of the folk music canon.
For fans of folk music and Americana, “The Big Rock Candy Mountain” remains a delightful reminder of Harry McClintock’s storytelling genius and his contribution to preserving the spirit of folk traditions in American music history.
Video
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”