[Spoken:]
I guess it's no secret eh that I did a few years in San Quentin
And on my release I noticed that a lot of different things had come to pass
While I was out of circulation
Like the girls dresses were shorter and the freeways were wider
And the ole steam engines were gone forever
But the one thing I noticed most of all down through the San Joachin valley
Was the disapperance of so many labor camps
Where once I'd lived from time to time myself
I noticed that that one there at Houston California was gone
And the ole crown's camp that lie between Formosa and Bakersfield
Was just a barren spot with a few cottonwood trees
And surrounded by an olive orchard
Tho a few still remain like the ole blackburn's camp out on weepatch highway
It was an evident fact that someone was tryin' to do away with them all
And I couldn't help but wonder what's gonna happen to the farm workers
And the fruit pickers who move from town to town
The man with the big family who can't afford the ole high standard of livin'
And was these thoughts and my mem'ries that inspired me to write this song
[Sang:]
I came back to this ole town cause my home was here
And to try to find some things I'd left behind
Tho' I've only been away for just a few short years
But I'd forgot about the pace of modern times.
I saw changes all around me and some were good
But I hardly recognized my side of town
They tore down the swingin' casing from the cottowood
And that tree was all that marked familar ground.
Oh, they're tearin' the labor camps down
And I feel a little sentimental shame
Where's a hungry man gonna live at in this town
Oh, they're tearin' the labor camps down.
[Instrumental]
The Hilltop family market had been moved somewhere
And the name was changed to fit the newer homes
The folks that I remember were no longer there
And the cabin that my daddy built was gone.
Oh, they're tearin' the labor camps down
And I feel a little sentimental shame
Where's a hungry man gonna live at in this town
Oh, they're tearin' the labor camps down.
They're tearin' the labor camps down
And I feel a little sentimental shame
Where's a hungry man gonna live at in this town
Oh, they're tearin' the labor camps down...
"They're Tearin' The Labor Camps Down" by Merle Haggard is a powerful song that addresses the disappearance of labor camps and the impact it has on the lives of farm workers and fruit pickers. It reflects on the changes in society, the loss of familiar landmarks, and the struggle of those who rely on these camps for their livelihood.
The song begins with Merle Haggard reminiscing about his time in San Quentin, highlighting the changes he noticed upon his release. He mentions the shorter dresses, wider freeways, and the disappearance of the steam engines. However, what struck him the most was the disappearance of the labor camps that he had once lived in.
Haggard goes on to mention specific labor camps that have been torn down or replaced. He expresses his concern for the farm workers and fruit pickers who rely on these camps as their homes. He questions where these people will live now that the camps are being demolished. The song draws attention to the plight of those who cannot afford the high cost of living and are left without a place to call home.
The inspiration behind this song is rooted in Haggard's own experiences and observations. Having spent time in prison, he was familiar with the struggles faced by those on the margins of society. He witnessed firsthand the importance of labor camps for providing shelter and a sense of community for farm workers and fruit pickers. Through this song, Haggard aims to shed light on their plight and the impact of societal changes on their lives.
The theme of the song resonates with several scripture verses that emphasize the importance of caring for the poor and marginalized. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus speaks about the significance of helping those in need, stating, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." This verse echoes the sentiment of the song, recognizing the struggles faced by those who are hungry and in need of shelter.
Another scripture that relates to the theme of the song is James 1:27, which states, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This verse emphasizes the importance of caring for those who are vulnerable and in need of support. It encourages believers to be compassionate and to take action to help those who are marginalized.
"They're Tearin' The Labor Camps Down" by Merle Haggard serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by farm workers and fruit pickers, and the importance of providing support and care for those in need. Through his heartfelt lyrics and emotive delivery, Haggard draws attention to the impact of societal changes on the lives of the marginalized. This song serves as a call to action, urging listeners to recognize and address the needs of those who are often overlooked.
