In the 1980s Russell made four albums credited to the Tom Russell Band. These featured Andrew Hardin and accordionist Fats Kaplin.
In the 1990s Russell made a number of solo albums, collaborated with blues singer Barrence Whitfield on two albums, and also recorded an acoustic album mixing original material with his favorite cowboy-themed songs. His albums include several guest appearances from other folk, country, and Americana artists, such as Chris Gaffney and Dave Alvin. His song "Outbound Plane", co-written with Nanci Griffith, became a Top Ten country hit for Suzy Bogguss. His most significant album from this period is the 1999 folk opera, The Man From God Knows Where.
His more recent albums include "Blood and Candle Smoke" (2009) and "Mesabi" (2011).
Acres Of Corn
Tom Russell Lyrics
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Now I'm a grown woman but my thoughts are still wild
I thought I'd seen London or maybe Paris
But I'm starin' at cornfields and they're starin' at me
But dreams are just things that keep in a jar
You bury your dreams or you wish on a star
For an ocean line ticket back to where you were born
Every now and again I take a small drink
From the blackberry brandy hidden under the sink
And I pull out that steam trunk and put on my gown
And I waltz through these cornfields 'til I fall to the ground
But dreams are just things that you keep in a trunk
'til the men are out workin' or you've gone a bit drunk
Then you unlock your dreams, but they're tattered and worn
So you stare out the window at the acres of corn
Dreams are just things that keep in a jar
You bury your dreams or you wish on a star
For an ocean line ticket back to where you were born
Away from these hard times and the acres of corn
When I was a child, I spoke as a child
Now I'm a grown woman but my thoughts are still wild
The lyrics to "Acres of Corn" by Tom Russell tell the story of a woman who grew up with big dreams and aspirations for adventure, but has since been confined to a life on a farm, surrounded by fields of corn. Despite being an adult, the woman's thoughts are still "wild," reminiscing on the excitement and freedom of her childhood dreams. These dreams have been buried or locked away, only to be revisited when she's drunk on blackberry brandy or feeling particularly nostalgic.
The repeated refrain of "dreams are just things that keep in a jar" speaks to the idea that dreams can be both trapping and freeing. On one hand, the woman feels stuck in her current situation, unable to escape to the places she's dreamt of. On the other hand, those dreams still exist within her, waiting to be opened up and explored.
Overall, "Acres of Corn" is a poignant reflection on the ways in which life can sometimes disappoint our childhood visions of what it could be. The woman in the song is torn between longing for the past and trying to make the best of her present situation.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was a child, I spoke as a child
When I was young and naive, I expressed myself with the limited understanding I had
Now I'm a grown woman but my thoughts are still wild
Although I have matured physically, my mind and desires are still untamed and unrestricted
I thought I'd seen London or maybe Paris
I had imagined experiencing worldly and sophisticated places like London or Paris
But I'm starin' at cornfields and they're starin' at me
I am now faced with the stark reality that my life is surrounded by vast and monotonous cornfields
But dreams are just things that keep in a jar
Dreams are just desires you keep hidden away, like being preserved in a container
You bury your dreams or you wish on a star
You either give up on your aspirations or rely on fate to fulfill them
For an ocean line ticket back to where you were born
For a chance to return to the place you originated from through an ocean voyage
Away from these hard times and the acres of corn
To escape the hardships and difficulties of life in the cornfields
Every now and again I take a small drink
Occasionally, I indulge in drinking some blackberry brandy
From the blackberry brandy hidden under the sink
I conceal my alcohol stash under the sink to keep it out of sight
And I pull out that steam trunk and put on my gown
I retrieve my old trunk and wear my fanciest dress to escape reality
And I waltz through these cornfields 'til I fall to the ground
I dance in the cornfields until I collapse, enjoying the temporary escape from reality
But dreams are just things that you keep in a trunk
Dreams are often stowed away like old memories or belongings
'til the men are out workin' or you've gone a bit drunk
I only revisit my dreams when I can do so without being interrupted or when I am a bit intoxicated
Then you unlock your dreams, but they're tattered and worn
Once I bring my dreams to the surface, I realize that they have become worn out over time
So you stare out the window at the acres of corn
I am reminded of my reality and longingly gaze out the window at the seemingly endless cornfields
When I was a child, I spoke as a child
The cycle of youth and naivete is repeated
Now I'm a grown woman but my thoughts are still wild
Despite growing older, I am still haunted by my unfulfilled desires
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: TOM RUSSELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind