Today, someone shared this song on Facebook and I decided to put it up instead of the photos I’d thought about sharing for Wordless Wednesday but instead I’m getting a little wordy. I have heard it numerous times, every time I do, I take time to really listen to the words. I hope you are willing to do the same, but in case you have a bad download speed, the lyrics are just below it. The song “American Farmer” by singer Steve Azar does a great job of articulating what farmers do and how importantly they take their work.
My Friend Bob, an American cotton & grain farmer, explains how a cotton picker works to my niece Alicia
It reminds me of the “Just a Farmer” poem I’ve posted previously. It also reminds me of my years living in the Mississippi Delta, because that’s where I came to know Steve’s music. See Steve is a Delta guy. He grew up just a few miles from where I lived and went to college within sight of the place I lived when I first moved to Mississippi (yep, he was a fighting okra). Although his music is regularly classified as country, he has a feeling for the blues and soul music. How could he not growing up in the Delta? I’ve seen him play live quite a few times and always enjoy the music and the fact he’s a real person who seems to “get it” and have fun.
The video for “America Farmer” includes photos from students involved in the FFA, an organization that encourages high school and college students to learn more about leadership and agriculture. My friend Katie recently posted a video of her son Hunter memorizing the FFA Creed, I encourage you to watch it if you aren’t sure what FFA is about.
This week, thousands of FFA kids are together in Indianapolis. And this video, celebrating American Farmers, includes photos from those students and a portion of the proceeds from the song support local FFA efforts. That’s something to celebrate, even if it does make me far more wordy than wordless.
Lyrics to “American Farmer” by Steve Azar
In worn out jeans and an old work shirt
a baseball cap that wears the dirt
of years of tough work
stands the American farmer
humble as a man you’ll ever come across
lives by his words and knows the cost
of how fast it’s won or lost
that’s the American farmer
and no matter the rain, heat or snow
Chorus
He wakes up before the break of dawn
works as hard as the day is long
and like a mother cares for her child
he’ll cling to his precious land
readies those fields and sews the seeds
with his own two fists he’ll fight the weeds
and wears his coat of sweat
like it’s some kind of armor
that’s the American farmer
He’s a gambler like none you’ve ever seen
lets it all ride on a field of dreams
just prays for the strength
to keep her goin’
an extension of God’s own hands
handed down yet once again
carries the torch and the plan
of the American farmer
and no matter how late he lays down his head
Chorus
He wakes up before the break of dawn
works as hard as the day is long
and like a mother cares for her child
he’ll cling to his precious land
readies those fields and sews the seeds
with his own two fists he’ll fight the weeds
and wears his coat of sweat
like it’s some kind of armor
that’s the American farmer
Chorus
He wakes up before the break of dawn
works as hard as the day is long
and like a mother cares for her child
he’ll cling to his precious land
readies those fields and sews the seeds
with his own two fists he’ll fight the weeds
and wears his coat of sweat
like it’s some kind of armor
that’s the American farmer
Great song! Perfectly written. Thanks for sharing JP. 🙂
You’re welcome Alyse!
Great post! Love this song:)
🙂