The Everglades
Escape through the Everglades: A Tale of Survival and Justice
Lyrics
He was born and raised around Jacksonville a nice young man not the kind to kill
Describes the protagonist as a well-mannered individual from Jacksonville, not predisposed to violence.
But the jealous fight and the flashing blade
Refers to a conflict involving jealousy and a dangerous weapon.
Sent him on the run through the everglades
Due to the fight, the protagonist is forced to flee and seeks refuge in the Everglades.
Runnin' like the dog through the everglades
Emphasizes the urgency and intensity of the escape, likening it to a dog running through the Everglades.
Well the Possy went in and he came back out
Reports that a posse went after the protagonist, and he returned with a prediction of his imminent death.
And said he'll die and there ain't no doubt
Confirms the certainty of the protagonist's death according to the posse.
It's an eye for a nice so the death is fate he won't last long in the everglades
Highlights the idea of revenge, where an eye is taken for an eye, predicting a short lifespan for the protagonist in the Everglades.
A man can't live in the everglades
States the difficulty of sustaining life in the challenging environment of the Everglades.
Where a man can hide and never be found and have no fear of the bayin' hound
Portrays the Everglades as a place where one can remain hidden and safe from pursuit.
But he better keep movin' and don't stand still
Advises the protagonist to keep moving and avoid staying in one place.
If the skeeters don't get him in the Gatersville
Warns about the threat of mosquitoes in Gatersville, emphasizing the need for constant movement.
If the skeeters don't get him in the Gatersville
Reiterates the danger of mosquitoes in Gatersville, possibly underscoring the pervasive threats in the Everglades.
Now the years went by and his girl was wed his family gave him up for dead
Reports that over time, the protagonist's family presumed him dead after his disappearance.
But now and then the natives would say they'd seen him runnin' through the everglades
Mentions that locals occasionally claim to have seen the protagonist running through the Everglades.
Runnin' like the dog through the everglades
Repeats the comparison of the protagonist's escape to that of a dog in the Everglades.
He'd never heard the news on the radio he was deep in the glades and he'll never know
Indicates the protagonist's isolation from news updates while deeply entrenched in the Everglades.
He's runnin' and hidin' doesn't make much sense
Questions the logic of the protagonist's actions, emphasizing the lack of coherence in running and hiding.
The jury had ruled it was self defence the jury had ruled it was self defense
Reveals that the jury ruled the protagonist's actions as self-defense, possibly providing legal justification for his actions.
Now a man can hide
Concludes with the idea that a person can find refuge and concealment in the Everglades.
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