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Straw Hat and Old Dirty Hank
Barenaked Ladies Lyrics


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I tend the wheat field that makes your bread
I bind the sweet veal, pluck the hens that make your bed
Mother Nature and Mother Earth
Are two of three women who dictate what I'm worth

I'm the farmer
I work in the fields all day
Don't mean to alarm her
But I know it was meant to be this way

You cried a tear, I wiped it dry
I put you up upon a pedestal so high
If you should waiver, if you should sway
I'd catch you, spread my tiny wings and fly away
You signed your picture with an O and X
I bet you don't write "love" each time you sign your checks

I'm the farmer
I work in the fields all day
Don't mean to alarm her
But I know we were meant to be this way

All of this corn I grow, I grow it all for you
I took a hatchet to the radio, I did it all for you
Well you could have written back
And you could have said, "Thank you"
(But) I guess you've got better things
(But) I guess you've got better things
(But) I guess you've got better things
Better things to do
Better things to do, yeah
Better things to do
Better things to do

You say you love me, is that the truth?
Although they've heard the songs, my friends need living proof
I know your address, I ring the bell
I bring you flowers and a .22 with shells

I'm the farmer
I work in the fields all day
It wasn't to harm her
But I know it was meant to be this way
I know it was meant to be this way
I know it was meant to be this way

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of the song, "I tend the wheat field that makes your bread. I bind the sweet veal, pluck the hens that make your bed" paint a picturesque image of the life of a farmer. The song is almost a love letter from a farmer to a woman who, by the sounds of it, was once interested in him, but has moved on. He talks about the hard work and dedication that goes into farming, and how it's all worth it because he knows it's his calling. The farmer says he knew from the beginning that his life would be devoted to the land, and he is content with that.


The chorus of the song repeats the line "I know it was meant to be this way" which reinforces the idea that the farmer accepts his lot in life and is happy with it. However, as the song progresses, it becomes apparent that the object of the farmer's affections has moved on, and he is left heartbroken. He offers her everything he has, including the corn he grows, but it's not enough. He even goes as far as to say that he's taken a hatchet to the radio because all the songs remind him of her.


The song takes a darker turn towards the end when the farmer says "I know your address, I ring the bell. I bring you flowers and a .22 with shells". The gun reference could be interpreted in different ways, but it seems clear that the farmer is not coping well with the rejection. Overall, the song is a bittersweet tale of a man who is content, yet yearns for something more.


Line by Line Meaning

I tend the wheat field that makes your bread
I am the farmer who grows crops to make the bread that you eat


I bind the sweet veal, pluck the hens that make your bed
I am responsible for raising animals that provide meat and eggs for your consumption


Mother Nature and Mother Earth
The forces of nature and the planet that sustains life


Are two of three women who dictate what I'm worth
The value of my work is determined by both nature and the market


I'm the farmer
I work as a farmer


I work in the fields all day
I spend long hours working on the farm


Don't mean to alarm her
I don't wish to upset anyone


But I know it was meant to be this way
I have accepted my life as a farmer and believe it is my fate


You cried a tear, I wiped it dry
I comforted you when you were sad


I put you up upon a pedestal so high
I hold you in high regard and cherish you


If you should waiver, if you should sway
If you become uncertain or hesitate in your actions


I'd catch you, spread my tiny wings and fly away
I would do anything to protect and care for you


You signed your picture with an O and X
You signed your photograph with hugs and kisses


I bet you don't write "love" each time you sign your checks
I doubt that you express affection when conducting business


All of this corn I grow, I grow it all for you
I grow crops primarily for your benefit


I took a hatchet to the radio, I did it all for you
I destroyed my entertainment as a sacrifice to devote more time to you


Well you could have written back
You had the opportunity to respond to my letters


And you could have said, "Thank you"
You could have expressed gratitude for my efforts


(But) I guess you've got better things
I assume that you have more important priorities


Better things to do
More pressing matters or obligations


You say you love me, is that the truth?
I question the honesty of your statements of love


Although they've heard the songs, my friends need living proof
My friends do not believe in the authenticity of your love without proof


I know your address, I ring the bell
I know where you live and visit you


I bring you flowers and a .22 with shells
I offer you gifts and also carry a weapon for protection


It wasn't to harm her
I didn't intend to cause any harm to anyone


But I know it was meant to be this way
I accept the course my life has taken


I know it was meant to be this way
I believe that everything happens for a reason




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ed Robertson, Steven Page

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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