Conversation
Harvesting Wisdom: A Farmer's Tale of Life, Love, and Legacy
Lyrics
I was talkin' to a farmer not long ago
The speaker recalls a recent conversation with a farmer.
His face was all brown and wrinkled and his hair was as white as snow
Description of the farmer's appearance - weathered face and white hair.
I'd gone for a drive out in the country when I stopped at his place
The speaker stopped at the farmer's place during a countryside drive.
When I first stopped and spoke to him
Initial interaction with the farmer.
He said don't I know you you look familiar to me
The farmer recognizes the speaker and finds them familiar.
He sat there for a minute and said yeah I know you
The farmer acknowledges knowing the speaker from radio and TV.
I listen to you on the radio and watch you on TV
The farmer shares details about his farm.
Then he started to tell me about his farm
His voice becomes soft as he talks about his farm with affection.
And his voice got real soft with a gentle tone
The farmer mentions the longevity of his farm and its role in educating five kids.
He said this little ol' farm has sent five kids through school
The farmer and his wife purchased the farm when young.
And for 48 years it's been my home
Describes the farm as their home for 48 years.
The wife and I bought this place when we first got married
Details about the farmer and his wife's early married life.
She was just 18 and I was 21
The couple raised five children on the farm.
We raised all of our five children right here
They supported their children through school and college.
Sent 'em through school and onto college our four girls and one son
The farmer reflects on the current economic situation.
I asked him what he thought about things today
The farmer remains optimistic, believing things will balance out.
All the prices and everything seem so high
Describes the farmer's agricultural activities - corn, hogs, and town sales.
He said well I sorta leave that to someone else
Money from hog sales is reinvested in new seeds for planting.
Cause I figure that nearly everything kinda even's out in the end I'll tell you why
The farmer raises wheat for flour and hay for cows, providing for his family.
You see I raise the corn fatten the hogs take 'em into town
Leaves economic decisions to others, focusing on farm responsibilities.
Then I take the money that the hogs bring
Expresses contentment with the fulfilling role of an American farmer.
And buy me some new seeds to plant in the ground
The farmer appreciates the conversation but needs to return to work.
Then I raise the wheat that makes the flour to feed my wife and me
Empty lines.
I raise the hay too feeds them cows out there to give us the milk we need
-So I leave the price fixin' and things like that to someone else you see
-Cause I got all that I can do just taking care of this place
-And bein' an American farmer is what God wanted me to be
-Then he said I enjoy talkin' to you Porter
-But I'd better be back to work now I reckon you take care
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