Homestead on the Farm
Homestead Reflections: Nostalgia and Longing in Bobby Bare's Melody
Lyrics
I wonder how the old folks are at home
I am curious about the well-being of my family back home.
I wonder if they miss me while I've gone
I am wondering if my absence is felt by the old folks.
I wonder if they pray for their boy who went away
I am contemplating whether they pray for their son who left.
And left his mom and papa all alone
My departure has left my parents alone, and I am concerned about them.
You could see the cattle lowin' in the lane
Visual imagery of cattle making sounds in the lane.
You could see the fields of blue grass where I've grown
Visual imagery of bluegrass fields where the speaker grew up.
You could almost hear them cry as they kissed their boy goodbye
Imagery of parents expressing sorrow as they bid farewell to their son.
I wonder how the old folks are at home
Reiteration of concern about the well-being of the old folks at home.
Just the village and the homestead on the farm
Reference to the village and the family's homestead on the farm.
And the mother's love there to keep you from all harm
Highlighting the protective love of a mother to shield from harm.
There's the mother's love so true and the sweetheart who loves you too
Emphasizing the genuine love of both a mother and a sweetheart.
I wonder how the old folks are at home
Reiteration of curiosity about the well-being of the old folks.
You could see the cattle lowin' in the lane
Recurrence of imagery with cattle making sounds in the lane.
You could see the fields of blue grass where I've grown
Recurrence of visual imagery of the speaker's upbringing in bluegrass fields.
You could almost hear them cry as they kissed their boy goodbye
Reiteration of parents expressing sadness during the departure.
I wonder how the old folks are at home
Continued concern about the well-being of the old folks at home.
I wonder how the old folks are at home
Reiteration of the speaker's wonder about the condition of the old folks.
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