Burl Ives 'Big Rock Candy Mountain'

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=gPqrTaVXJhI&fmt=18

#62-Most Responded(Today)-Music

Copyright owner: UMG
"Big Rock Candy Mountain" is a song about a hobo's idea of paradise.
The song describes a hobo's vision of utopia, a place where the "hens lay soft boiled eggs" and there are "cigarette trees". The song is also rather ironic and satirical in that it additionally describes mollified versions of things that one wouldn't think should exist in paradise at all, such as police (with wooden legs) and jail bars (made of tin), but sound appealing to someone whose lifestyle runs afoul of the law.

In proof of his authorship of the song, McClintock published the original words, the last stanza of which was:

The punk rolled up his big blue eyes
And said to the jocker, "Sandy,
I've hiked and hiked and wandered too,
But I ain't seen any candy.
I've hiked and hiked till my feet are sore
And I'll be damned if I hike any more
To be buggered sore like a hobo's whore
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains." lol.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Burl
• Ives
• 'Big
• Rock
• Candy
• Mountain'

[Nicoleee1218]

Did you all know that "Big Rock Candy Mountain" is a real place? It's a great place, Marysvale Utah! My family goes there to picnic and hike sometimes. And you have to stop by HOOVERS, they have great food!!!

[gerdenshed]

@Nicoleee1218

Just north of Marysvale, Utah, near the Fishlake National Forest, stands a cluster of brightly-colored hills named the "Big Rock Candy Mountain". However, the song was written before the mountain got its name; in 1928, after the song had been released, some Utah residents jokingly placed a sign at the base of the hills labeling it the "Big Rock Candy Mountain", along with a sign next to a nearby spring proclaiming it "Lemon Springs".

[12Daniel7]

I haven't heard this in years, let alone ever seen a video. thank-you for sharing this with me today.

[gerdenshed]

@12Daniel7

My pleasure ;o)

Mark..

[whatabarb]

I enjoyed this so much! I always go out of my way to listen to Burl Ives! Thanks so much for posting this..)

[gerdenshed]

@whatabarb

My pleasure ;o)

Mark...

[JubalCalif]

@htuomnom

I second that emotion! The late great Burl Ives was not only probably America's greatest folk singer but also an extremely gifted actor. His performances in classics such as "The Big Country" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" are proof of that. Sad that so many today dismiss his talents. Burl had more talent in his little finger than most of today's so called "stars". He was living proof that a performer doesn't have to wallow in the gutter to entertain people. THANKS for commenting!

[myrtlemaid]

Last time I heard this I was at middle school.. almost 40 yrs ago.. and it still makes me smile !

[MrLasthobo]

@Nicoleee1218 yes i know been there done em both withe my wife on our 4 wheerlers its still a little early right now but try old Moores pine Inn In marysville UTAH

Maysville is not what you may think it is the home the most friendly loving, countless folk's ihave sver met in my time in this state.

[doreen4846]

Thanks very much for this one. Takes me back to my childhood...........nearly sixty years ago.

Love Burl Ives

[newdeal1976]

the music is so pure thats all I can think thank you burl

[rockabillygone]

Oddly sad and fun at the same time.

[Jesusfreak2599]

Who..why...what why would anyone dislike this! they must have never been to big rock candy mountain!

[lawomega1]

Just great to listen to this lovely song sang by the great Burl Ives,fab !

[strawberryisback]

my mom about flipped when she heard this on the movie :oh brother , tho this version is different then the show , she was the one who sang THIS version ...love it

[Patriot1862]

@Patriot1862 didn't meant to include the ?  Hes the best!

[Patriot1862]

Love the way old Burl sings this, hes the best? Should have all the bums out there grinning big!