Parchman Farm
The Bluesbreakers Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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.

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,
A twelve-gauge shotgun at my back.

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.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Bluesbreakers song Parchman Farm describe the plight of prisoners at the Parchman Farm, a notorious prison in Mississippi, USA. The singer of the song is a prisoner himself, and he talks about the backbreaking labor of picking cotton and putting it in a never-full sack. He also mentions how the prisoners are watched by armed guards carrying twelve-gauge shotguns.


The melancholic tone of the song highlights the hardships and injustices faced by prisoners, who are often incarcerated for minor offenses and subjected to inhumane living conditions. The repeated line "I'm sitting over here on Parchman farm" emphasizes the feeling of isolation and hopelessness experienced by the singer.


The song is a powerful commentary on the American prison system, and the lyrics continue to resonate with audiences today. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of treating prisoners with dignity and respect, and the need for prison reform to ensure that the punishment fits the crime.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm sitting over here on Parchman farm.
I am currently located at Parchman farm.


Ain't never done no man no harm.
I have never caused harm to another human being.


Well, I'm putting that cotton in a never-full sack.
I am placing cotton into an inexhaustible sack.


A twelve-gauge shotgun at my back.
I am being threatened with a firearm at my rear.




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: MOSE ALLISON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions