ONE ROOM COUNTRY SHACK
Mercy Dee Walton Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Sittin' here a thousand miles from nowhere
In my one room country shack (Oh yes I am)
Sittin' here a thousand miles from nowhere
In my one room country shack (Oh yes I am)
And my onliest posessions
Are the clothes hangin' right here on my back (Oh yeah)
I wake up every night about midnight
Lord know I just can't sleep no more

I wake up every night about midnight
Lord know I just can't sleep no more
Not a soul to be seen for miles
And a lonesome wind howlin' 'round my door
(Uh-huh - can't you hear me howlin')
Well, I'm leavin' here in the morning
Just about to lose my mind
Well, I'm leavin' here in the morning
Lord, I'm just about to lose my mind (Oh yes I did)
O gotta find myself a companion

I don't care if she's deaf, dumb, crippled or blind
(No, I don't - all right)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Mercy Dee Walton's song "One Room Country Shack" describe a man's loneliness and isolation in his humble living quarters deep in the countryside. He has nothing but the clothes he wears and the four walls of his shack. He can't sleep soundly at night, and the wind's howling only adds to his already dire state. He's at the brink of losing his mind and is desperately craving companionship, even if it is a deaf, dumb, crippled, or blind partner.

The song speaks to the human condition of isolation, loneliness, and the need for companionship. It also highlights the stark contrast between the lives of people in rural and urban areas. The character in the song has nothing, while people in cities are surrounded by affluence and abundance.

Considered a classic blues song, "One Room Country Shack" has a distinct sound that sets it apart from other blues tunes. The song often features wailing harmonicas and brooding piano riffs, which evoke a feeling of melancholy and loneliness.

Line by Line Meaning

Sittin' here a thousand miles from nowhere
I am alone and isolated in a remote location.

In my one room country shack (Oh yes I am)
I live in a small, humble dwelling in this remote area.

And my onliest posessions
The only things I own are

Are the clothes hangin' right here on my back (Oh yeah)
the clothes I am currently wearing.

I wake up every night about midnight
I have trouble sleeping.

Lord know I just can't sleep no more
I am unable to get a good night's rest.

Not a soul to be seen for miles
There is nobody around for a long distance.

And a lonesome wind howlin' 'round my door
The only thing I hear is the sound of the wind.

(Uh-huh - can't you hear me howlin')
I am feeling deeply lonely and distressed.

Well, I'm leavin' here in the morning
I am planning to leave this place soon.

Just about to lose my mind
I am at the brink of a mental breakdown.