Uncle Tupelo was an alternative country music group from Belleville, Illino… Read Full Bio ↴Uncle Tupelo was an alternative country music group from Belleville, Illinois, active between 1987 and 1994. Jay Farrar, Jeff Tweedy, and Mike Heidorn formed the band after the lead singer of their previous band, The Primitives, left to attend college. The trio recorded three albums for Rockville Records, before signing with Sire Records and expanding to a five-piece. Shortly after the release of the band's major label debut album Anodyne, Farrar announced his decision to leave the band due to a soured relationship with his co-songwriter Tweedy. Uncle Tupelo split on May 1, 1994, after completing a farewell tour. Following the breakup, Farrar formed Son Volt with Heidorn, while the remaining members continued as Wilco.

Although Uncle Tupelo broke up before it achieved commercial success, the band is renowned for its impact on the alternative country music scene. The group's first album, No Depression, became a byword for the genre and was widely influential. Uncle Tupelo's sound was unlike popular country music of the time, drawing inspiration from styles as diverse as the hardcore punk of The Minutemen and the country instrumentation and harmony of the Carter Family and Hank Williams. Farrar and Tweedy lyrics frequently referenced Middle America and the working class of Belleville.

John Hardy
Uncle Tupelo Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

John Hardy, he was a desperate little man
Carried two guns every day
Shot a man down by the West Virginia line
They saw John Hardy get away
They saw John Hardy get away

They cornered John Hardy on the Tombstone bridge
He thought that he was free

'Til the deputy sheriff came and grabbed him by the arm
Said "Johnny, come along with me"
"Johnny, come along with me"

John Hardy, he stood inside his cell
Tears running down his eyes
Said "I've seen the death of many a poor boy
Now I'm ready to die
Now I'm ready to die"

Well, I've been to the east and I've been to the west
I've been the whole world round
I've been to the north and I've been to the south

Now I'm going to my hanging ground
I'm going to my hanging ground

Overall Meaning

Uncle Tupelo's song "John Hardy" tells the story of a desperate man named John Hardy who was known for carrying two guns every day. He shot a man near the West Virginia border and managed to escape punishment. However, he was eventually caught on the Tombstone bridge by the deputy sheriff. In his cell, Hardy tearfully reflects on his life and remorsefully admits to having seen the deaths of many poor boys. He accepts his fate and declares that he is ready to die. The song ends with Hardy stating that he has traveled the world and is now going to his "hanging ground."

The lyrics of "John Hardy" speak to the theme of the consequences of our actions, particularly violence. The character of John Hardy is portrayed as someone who is constantly on the run and carries guns as a means of protection, but ultimately faces the harsh reality of death as a result of his actions. The song also touches on the idea that one's past catches up with them, as Hardy is eventually caught and brought to justice.

The melody of "John Hardy" is rooted in traditional folk music and has been covered by many artists, including Lead Belly, Pete Seeger, and Woody Guthrie. It has been included on various music recordings over the years and continues to be a popular choice for performers. The song's enduring appeal is likely due to its relatable themes of regret and redemption, as well as its powerful storytelling.

Line by Line Meaning

John Hardy, he was a desperate little man
John Hardy was a very desperate person, probably because of his circumstances or personality.

Carried two guns every day
John Hardy carried two guns every day, perhaps because he felt like he needed them for protection or to show off his power.

Shot a man down by the West Virginia line
John Hardy killed someone near the border of West Virginia, an act that made him a criminal and put him in danger of being arrested or killed.

They saw John Hardy get away
Despite the crime he had committed, John Hardy managed to escape and avoid being caught by the authorities.

They cornered John Hardy on the Tombstone bridge
The police officers finally caught up with John Hardy on the Tombstone bridge, where he was probably trying to hide or cross to the other side of the river.

He thought that he was free
John Hardy may have thought he had escaped for good until the police caught up with him on the bridge.

Said 'Johnny, come along with me'
The deputy sheriff asked John Hardy to come with him, indicating that he was going to be arrested and taken to jail.

John Hardy, he stood inside his cell
John Hardy was put in a cell after he was caught and arrested by the sheriff.

Tears running down his eyes
John Hardy was crying, a sign that he may have realized the gravity of his actions and was feeling remorseful.

Said 'I've seen the death of many a poor boy
John Hardy had witnessed many people die, probably due to the violent world he lived in or his own actions.

Now I'm ready to die
John Hardy was prepared to face the consequences of his actions and accept the punishment that awaited him.

Well, I've been to the east and I've been to the west
John Hardy had traveled to many places in the world, perhaps seeking adventure or trying to escape his troubles.

I've been the whole world round
John Hardy had traveled far and wide, possibly to avoid being caught by the authorities or to start a new life.

Now I'm going to my hanging ground
John Hardy was going to be hanged for his crime, and he had accepted his fate and was ready to face his punishment.

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOB CAREY, CLARENCE COOPER, ERIC WEISSBERG

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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