About this song:
I first recorded this in back 1982 on my Songs Through A Window LP. Check out that version here: Scarecrow Boy Version 1
This version is from my Eyes On The Horizon CD which I think I recorded in 2009… Not really feeling like I’ve “nailed” it yet, so you might find yet another version at some point…
In the meantime, there is something haunting about this tune. Let me know what you think and how you relate to it. It always surprises and delights me to hear what significance one of my songs has for another set of ears!
Scarecrow Boy
Song # 41 | March 1980 | CD: Eyes On The Horizon
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 mama’s boy
There ain’t no freedom you do not earn
Oh, scarecrow boy
Hobo child
Vagrant soul…
[tuning GGDGBD ]
Copyright 1980-2015 by Mark Shepard. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.
Photo Credit – Copyright: / 123RF Stock Photo