Who Am I
Sovine Red Lyrics
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And cursed the gumbo mud that grew the corn
I swung a double bitted axe till sundown
And wondered through my sweat why I was born
I've laughed in daddy's face when he was praying
I've urned my back upon my mother's crys
I've looked into my mind when we were starving
And asked myself the question who am I
I've searched the eyes of strangers in the alley
And seen the learching looks that they return
I've read the books the scholars recommended
And trembled at the likes of what I learned
I've slept out in the night when it was raining
I've shivered at the lightning in the sky
I've looked into my mind while I was freezing
And asked myself the question who am I
I've seen the spinning world from in the gutter
And felt the kin to men who leave their wives
I've searched and finally found the perfect woman
And learned too late she never could be mine
I've walked with Lord's head behind my off-spring
Ashamed of the man in my son's eyes
Oh what a rocky track I left to follow
Dear God I ask the question who am I
In this song, Sovine Red reflects on his life and experiences, and asks the fundamental question of identity: Who am I? He starts by recounting the hard physical labor he has done, from planting corn behind a mule to chopping wood. As he sweats and toils, he wonders why he was born into this life. He then reflects on his relationships with his parents and their religious beliefs, admitting that he has rebelled against them at times.
The second verse takes a more intellectual and emotional turn. Sovine Red describes how he has tried to educate himself and understand the world around him, but the more he learns, the more he realizes he doesn't know. He also describes the loneliness and vulnerability he has felt in dark, stormy nights. Through it all, the question of who he really is persists.
The final verse brings up themes of regret and family. Sovine Red reflects on his mistakes and the harm he has caused to others, particularly his son. He expresses a sense of shame and self-doubt, feeling like he has made poor choices and wondering if he can ever truly redeem himself. The song ends with his plea to a higher power, asking for guidance and a sense of self-knowledge.
Overall, this song is a poignant exploration of the human condition, and the struggle we all face to understand ourselves and our place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I've walked behind a lazy mule and backed it down the road
I have done hard labor and tasks that showed little results or progress.
And cursed the gumbo mud that grew the corn
I have encountered difficulties and challenges that were out of my control and blamed external factors.
I swung a double bitted axe till sundown
I have worked tirelessly and physically exhausting jobs.
And wondered through my sweat why I was born
I have questioned my purpose and existence during difficult times.
I've laughed in daddy's face when he was praying
I have shown disrespect and disregard towards beliefs and traditions.
I've urned my back upon my mother's crys
I have ignored the needs and pleas of those closest to me.
I've looked into my mind when we were starving
I have reflected on personal struggles and hardships.
And asked myself the question who am I
I have questioned my identity and purpose during such struggles and hardships.
I've searched the eyes of strangers in the alley
I have sought validation and understanding from unfamiliar and unlikely sources.
And seen the learching looks that they return
I have received judgment and negative reactions from these sources.
I've read the books the scholars recommended
I have sought knowledge and education from renowned sources.
And trembled at the likes of what I learned
I have experienced anxiety and fear from newfound knowledge and understanding.
I've slept out in the night when it was raining
I have been homeless and lacking basic necessities.
I've shivered at the lightning in the sky
I have feared natural occurrences and felt powerless against them.
I've looked into my mind while I was freezing
I have contemplated my own thoughts and emotions while struggling to survive.
And asked myself the question who am I
I have questioned my identity and purpose during these moments of desperation.
I've seen the spinning world from in the gutter
I have experienced the worst aspects of society and felt inferior to others.
And felt the kin to men who leave their wives
I have identified with those who make mistakes and act immorally.
I've searched and finally found the perfect woman
I have sought a fulfilling and loving relationship.
And learned too late she never could be mine
I have experienced heartbreak and disappointment.
I've walked with Lord's head behind my off-spring
I have felt shame and guilt in regards to my own children.
Ashamed of the man in my son's eyes
I have felt regret and disappointment in how I have lived my life.
Oh what a rocky track I left to follow
I have recognized the mistakes and hardships that have led me to my current situation.
Dear God I ask the question who am I
I have turned to a higher power for guidance and clarity in understanding my identity and purpose.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LARRY KINGSTON, MARION FRANKLIN DYCUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Greyson Cross
I love this song
Marryann Lamb
Awesome song
Patriotic Americana
What a great song,can I cover it in Havana Illinois