Parchman Farm
Bluesbreakers Lyrics
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I'm sitting over here on Parchman farm.
I'm sitting over here on Parchman farm,
Ain't never done no man no harm.
Well, I'm putting that cotton in a never-full sack.
Well, I'm putting that cotton in a never-full sack.
Well, I'm putting that cotton in a never-full sack,
I'm sitting over here on Parchman farm.
I'm sitting over here on Parchman farm.
I'm sitting over here on Parchman farm,
Ain't never done no man no harm.
The lyrics of "Parchman Farm" by Bluesbreakers depict the life of a prisoner incarcerated in a Mississippi state penitentiary, specifically the notorious Parchman Farm. The singer reveals that he has been forced to work in the fields picking cotton, under the constant threat of violence, as indicated by the presence of a shotgun at his back. He is resigned to his fate, declaring that he has never caused harm to anyone and therefore does not deserve his imprisonment.
The song conveys the inhumanity and oppressive conditions that were typical of Southern prisons during the early 20th century, where African American prisoners were often subjected to forced labor and brutal treatment. The use of repetitive lyrics and a simple melody mirrors the monotony and despair of the singer's existence. The powerful yet understated vocals of the lead singer add to the haunting quality of the song, evoking the sense of hopelessness that is associated with life in a prison.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm sitting over here on Parchman farm.
I am currently located in Parchman farm, a prison in Mississippi.
I'm sitting over here on Parchman farm.
Once again, I want to emphasize that I am in Parchman farm.
I'm sitting over here on Parchman farm,
In case you missed it, I am still in Parchman farm.
Ain't never done no man no harm.
Despite my imprisonment, I have not caused harm to anyone.
Well, I'm putting that cotton in a never-full sack.
I am currently working in the cotton fields, filling a sack that never seems to get full.
Well, I'm putting that cotton in a never-full sack.
Once again, I am laboring in the cotton fields, trying to fill an endless sack.
Well, I'm putting that cotton in a never-full sack,
Just in case you were curious, I am still laboring and trying to fill the never-full sack.
A twelve-gauge shotgun at my back.
To ensure that I continue my work and do not escape, I have a twelve-gauge shotgun pointed at my back.
I'm sitting over here on Parchman farm.
Yes, I am still in Parchman farm.
I'm sitting over here on Parchman farm.
I may sound repetitive, but it is important to understand where I am and my circumstances.
I'm sitting over here on Parchman farm,
Once again, I am reminding you that I am imprisoned in Parchman farm.
Ain't never done no man no harm.
I have not caused harm to anyone, despite my entrapment in Parchman farm.
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Written by: MOSE ALLISON
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