“Who’s Gonna Feed Them Hogs” isn’t just a song; it’s a slice of rural life wrapped in melody, a heartfelt narrative that resonates with anyone who’s known the weight of daily responsibilities. Tom T. Hall, often referred to as “The Storyteller” for his knack for lyrical narratives, crafts this song with a unique blend of humor and earnestness that captures the listener’s heart.
At its core, the song revolves around a simple yet profound question posed by a hospitalized farmer, concerned more about the welfare of his livestock than his own health. This quirky, unexpected concern for his hogs rather than the typical worries about personal issues or broader existential questions, adds a layer of authenticity and charm to the track. It highlights the deep connection between farmers and their commitments, embodying a sense of duty that transcends personal hardships.
What makes “Who’s Gonna Feed Them Hogs” special is not just its storytelling but the emotional texture it brings. It’s a testament to the unsung lives of countless farmers—those who, rain or shine, prioritize their responsibilities over themselves. This song, through its humorous yet touching lyrics, becomes a tribute to dedication and hard work.
Tom T. Hall’s ability to turn everyday rural concerns into universally appealing songs is evident here, as he invites the listener into a world where such queries can dictate the rhythm of life. The song is a reminder of the smaller, yet significant, dramas that play out in the quieter parts of the world, often unnoticed by the bustling mainstream.
This track does more than just entertain; it invites empathy and, perhaps, a chuckle or two at the sheer absurdity yet sincerity of the concern for those hogs. It’s a perfect blend of the trivial and the critical, making “Who’s Gonna Feed Them Hogs” a memorable piece that sticks with you, urging a smile every time you think of its earnest simplicity.
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Lyrics
I met him in a hospital about a year ago
And why I still remember him I guess I’ll never know
He’d lie there and cry out in a medicated fog,
“Here I am in this dang bed and who’s gonna feed them hogs?”
“Four hundred hogs, they just standin’ out there
My wife can’t feed ’em and my neighbors don’t care
They can’t get out and roam around like my old huntin’ dogs
Here I am in this dang bed and who’s gonna feed them hogs?”
His face was lean and his hands were rough
His way was hogs and his nature was tough
His doctors tried to tell him that he may not live at all
But all he ever talked about was who’s gonna feed them hogs
“Four hundred hogs, they just standin’ out there
My wife can’t feed ’em and my neighbors don’t care
They can’t get out and roam around like my old huntin’ dogs
Here I am in this dang bed and who’s gonna feed them hogs?”
Four hundred hogs comes to eight hundred hams
And that’s a lot of money for a hog-raisin’ man
Four hundred hogs comes to sixteen hundred feet
The market’s up and there are people a-waitin’ on that meat
Well, the doctors say they do not know what saved the man from death
But in a few days he put on his overalls and he left
That’s all there is to this small song but waitress, before you leave,
Would you bring me some coffee and a hot ham sandwich, please?
Four hundred hogs they’re just standing out there
His wife couldn’t feed ’em and his neighbors didn’t care
They couldn’t get out and roam around like his old huntin’ dogs…