The Cotton Patch
Escape from the Cotton Patch: A Sweet Young Thing's Journey to Class and Dreams in Big D
Lyrics
I was raised in the middle of the cotton belt babe but I ain't gonna stay
I was brought up in the heart of the cotton-growing region, but I don't intend to remain here.
I'll lose my shape fast draggin' cotton sacks and eatin' butter beans ever day
I will lose my figure quickly by hauling heavy bags of cotton and eating butter beans every day.
Yeah I'm a sweet young thing I just turned eighteen and I'm unhookin' the latch
Despite being a young woman of eighteen, I am determined to break free from this lifestyle.
Cause I've got too much class for this cotton patch
I believe I possess more sophistication than what's found in this rural cotton farming area.
I've been readin' magazines on a once-a-week trip to town on Saturday
I have been reading magazines during my infrequent trips to town.
And I've seen all pretty clothes and had some rich men and I know that's for me
I desire fine clothing and wealthy suitors, recognizing that this is what I want.
Papa's been tryin' to pair me up with Willie Bond whose daddy owns the cotton gin
My father has attempted to set me up with a young man named Willie Bond, who comes from a wealthy family that owns a cotton gin.
Ha I done checked Willie out two years ago and Willie knows I'm too much for him
I assessed Willie two years ago, and he knows I am too sophisticated for him.
It's Monday mornin' four o'clock got my sack packed
It's Monday morning at four o'clock, and I've packed my bag.
And I'm out here where the freeway runs
I'm now at a location where the freeway passes through.
Here comes a truck I'm in luck he's goin' straight through on a Dallas run
A truck is approaching, and fortunately, it's heading directly to Dallas, which is where I aim to go.
Yeah I am headin' for big D and I know that's place for me to really make a catch
I am heading to Dallas because I believe it's the place where I can achieve my goals and find a suitable partner.
Well finally I'm a gettin' my class out of this cotton patch
Finally, I feel I am escaping the limitations of my upbringing in the cotton fields.
I arrived in style aboard that big semi and I felt mighty high
I arrived in a grand manner via a large semi-truck, feeling very confident.
Waltzin' into the best department store for employment to suit my style
I walked into the best department store, seeking employment that matches my sophistication.
And I was doin' pretty good till some wisecracker came on the scene
Initially, things were going well until someone made a disrespectful comment.
He called me a ripe tomato but he said I sure look green
They called me attractive but inexperienced or naive.
I tried ever door to ever store in town but my luck had run down
I attempted to find work in various stores, but my luck wasn't favorable.
It seemed nobody round Dallas could recognize the class I'd brought to town
No one in Dallas seemed to acknowledge or appreciate the sophistication I thought I brought.
And after all day of looking would you believe the only job I could land
Despite a day of searching, the only job offer I received was at a dog food factory.
Was in a dog food factory stickin' labels on dog food cans
Expressing concern and checking in with family, mentioning the men I hoped to attract have eluded me.
Dear mama how are you pop and kids hope you're doin' OK
Asking about the well-being of family while hinting at my struggles to secure a better job.
Me I never did find a better job and all the rich men got away
Expressing disappointment that I haven't found a higher-status job and the affluent suitors have moved on.
Mama I've been thinkin' pretty soon you know I'll be nineteen
Reflecting on nearing the age of nineteen and the lessons I've learned about sophistication and class.
And I sure learned a lot about class fast mama know what I mean
Informing my mother that I've gained a rapid understanding of social class distinctions.
Mama if you'd ask papa if he'd spare a few dollars
Asking if my father could provide some money for my return home due to unsuccessful endeavors.
I'd catch the next greyhound comin' home
If he does, I plan to return home on the next Greyhound bus.
And I tell you if Willie Bond ain't committed yet I'd be willin' to give it a try
Expressing willingness to reconsider Willie Bond if he's still available, given the two years that have passed.
After all it's been two years, just tell papa, money
Acknowledging the importance of money in the decision-making process.
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