Their current line-up exists of:
Rob 'Mahlon' Bullington: mandolin, guitar, vocals
Jimmy 'The Kooky-Eyed Fox' Stelling: banjo, fiddle, vocals
Jesse 'Baby J' Fiske: upright bass, accordion, harmonica, guitar and vocals
Justin 'Salvage' Neuhardt: charismo, spoons and vocals
Ferd "Four" Moyse: fiddle, upright bass and vocals
Ward 'Cousin Spits' Harrison: guitar and vocals
They are sometimes joined live by founding member Tom 'Pee Paw' Peloso on fiddle, upright bass and vocals.
Jonah
Hackensaw Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jonah you're still young
You're gonna be a man when your daddy gets done
You're gonna be a man, boy
You're gonna be a man
You got to beat your children the best that you can
This world gonna knock you down, boy
Put your navy face flat on the ground
You can get back up and then, boy
You get back up and then
This world gonna knock you right back down again
Jonah you're still young, boy
Jonah you're still young
You're gonna be a man when your daddy gets done
What you need is a sign
In these ever changing times
To give to you a place where you can shine
Your good gal wants to roll, boy
Your good gal wants to roll
She'll leave you walking this world all alone
Walk this far alone, boy
Walk this far alone
You ain't got no reason, you ain't got no home
Jonah you're still young, boy
Jonah you're still young
You're gonna be a man when your daddy gets done
What you need is a sign
In these ever changing times
To give to you a place where you can shine
The lyrics of "Jonah" by Hackensaw Boys depict a father's advice to his son as he enters adulthood. The song starts with the father reassuring his son that he still has a long way to go before he becomes a man. The father offers words of wisdom that suggest that becoming a man is tied directly to how well he raises his own children. This line is telling of how fatherhood is considered a right of passage in many cultures, and it is considered something that defines a man.
The second half of the first verse describes how tough the world can be and how it can knock you down. The father encourages his son to get back up, acknowledging that it is natural to feel knocked down by life. The second verse talks about how the boy’s "good gal" will want to roll and leave him to fend for himself. This is also seen as a part of life, as relationships and friendships often come and go.
The song's overarching theme is that no matter what happens in life, the father is there to guide his son and remind him that he has what it takes to succeed. The song is hopeful despite the hardships that the father acknowledges his son will face in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Jonah you're still young, boy
Despite how old you may feel, you still have a lot of growing to do, Jonah.
You're gonna be a man when your daddy gets done
Once your father has finished raising you, you will have reached manhood, Jonah.
You got to beat your children the best that you can
When you have children of your own, it's important to raise them well, Jonah.
This world gonna knock you down, boy
The world can be tough and you'll experience hardships, Jonah.
You can get back up and then, boy
Despite being knocked down, it's important to pick yourself back up, Jonah.
This world gonna knock you right back down again
Expect to fall many times, Jonah. Life will have its ups and downs.
What you need is a sign
You could use a clear indication in these tumultuous times, Jonah.
Your good gal wants to roll, boy
Your significant other wants to leave you, Jonah.
Walk this far alone, boy
You'll have to journey through life on your own now, Jonah.
You ain't got no reason, you ain't got no home
You may feel lost and without a purpose, Jonah.
To give to you a place where you can shine
You need something or somewhere to excel and showcase your talents, Jonah.
Contributed by Jeremiah H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@enemyinc.6741
Lyrics:
Jonah you're still young, boy
Jonah you're still young
You're gonna be a man when your daddy gets done
You're gonna be a man, boy
You're gonna be a man
You got to beat your children the best that you can
This world gonna knock you down, boy
This world gonna knock you down
Put your navy face flat on the ground
You can get back up and then, boy
You get back up and then
This world gonna knock you right back down again
Jonah you're still young, boy
Jonah you're still young
You're gonna be a man when your daddy gets done
What you need is a sign
In these ever changing times
To give to you a place where you can shine
Your good gal wants to roll, boy
Your good gal wants to roll
She'll leave you walking this world all alone
Walk this far alone, boy
Walk this far alone
You ain't got no reason, you ain't got no home
Jonah you're still young, boy
Jonah you're still young
You're gonna be a man when your daddy gets done
What you need is a sign
In these ever changing times
To give to you a place where you can shine
@Dr.Randy.Butternubs
I love this album, the cover always reminds me of the graveyard keeper from The Legend of Zelda
@edwardrichard2561
I miss Hackensaw
@xxdfoster
I'm gonna cover this song in memory of my dead grandparents. God rest their souls
@xxdfoster
This song rly shreds
@Roan7995
So sad and so good.
@TroySkirchak
I love this song.
@Nicola904
I love bluegrass!!!! Play it! ;)
@mljansson
I LOVE IT so good.....yihaaaaaaa
@dougsergent2199
Pass It On
@jtardio12
Hell yes