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June 8, 2015 · Empowerment Songs, Freedom Songs, Life In Song 1980's, Running Away Songs, Songs of Transformation

41 Scarecrow Boy (version 1)

17878192_sToday’s song is from my first LP, “Songs Through A Window” and features some amazing harmonica playing by this crazy guy who’s name I forget. It WAS 1982… So I guess it’s forgivable. There is also some sweet slide guitar being played by my friend John Hannah who at the time was learning to play guitar… really well.

This song (written in 1980, age 19) celebrates the long tradition of hopping a freight train and running away from home. Not many guys do this these days… and it’s probably a good thing… however, the romance of that freedom to strike out on your own in the world and survive, even thrive, by virtue of your wits, adaptability and toughness?

Still relevant. Perhaps even more necessary than ever.

Take away tip? Do something that scares or challenges you today. Take notes. Observe how it all works out…
Apply the lessons to the next challenge. Repeat.

Please click arrow to play:

Scarecrow Boy

Song # 41 | March 1980 | version 1 – “Songs Through A Window” LP

Check out version 2 from  Eyes On The Horizon CD

Scarecrow boy,
Walking towards a sunset on a dirt road
In dust covered July
Singing coca-cola commercials
At the blushing, velvet sky,

Tin can,
Kicked by lazy sneakered feet
Conjures up a wild and thirsty tune
Homeless blue eyes drinking in
The colors and the textures of a slanting afternoon

Red tailed hawk,
Floating high on melting air
Takes in every detail on the ground
Will the boy break free this time
Or will he once more, stop and turn around

Railroad whistle,
Gathering like the darkness
Extends it’s invitation to be bold
Pounding feet on gravel bed
Grimy hands reach up and grab a hold

And he is gone with his home upon his back
His destiny is bound in steel track
And he’s a distance dealer, dandelion seed
He’s a jack-knife boy, growing like a weed

Growing like a weed, growing like a weed, growing like a weed…

Oh You runaway boy
Hat pulled down, jaw set firm
Oh you dreamer boy
There’s a lesson you gotta learn
Oh, you hungry boy
There ain’t no meals on boxcar wheels
There ain’t no meals on boxcar wheels

Oh, Scarecrow boy
Hobo child
Vagrant soul…

[tuning GGDGBD ]

Copyright 1980-2015 by Mark Shepard. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.
photo – Copyright: gyn9037 / 123RF Stock Photo

Filed Under: Empowerment Songs, Freedom Songs, Life In Song 1980's, Running Away Songs, Songs of Transformation

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