1 Scarecrow on wooden cross

2 Blackbird in the barn,

3 400 empty acres on what used to be my farm.

4 Grew up like my daddy did, my grandpa tilled the land.

5 When I was five I walked the fence while my grandpa held my hand.

6 Rain on the scarecrow, blood on the plow,

7 This land fed the nation, this land makes me proud.

8 "Son I'm sorry, but there's no legacy for you now."

9 Rain on the scarecrow,

10 Blood on the plow.

11 Rain on the scarecrow,

12 Blood on the plow.

13 Crops we grew last summer wasn't enough to pay the loan,

14 Couldn't buy the seed to plant this spring, the farmers bank foreclosed.

15 They sent an old friend to auction off the land.

16 "Say John it's just my job, I hope you understand."

17 "They call it your job old hoss, just don't make it right."

18 "If you want I'll say a prayer for your soul tonight."

19 Grandma's on the front porch with a bible in her hand,

20 Sometimes I hear her singing take me to the promised land.

21 Take away a man's dignity, it's just a few kids and cows.

22 Blood on the scarecrow,

23 Blood on the plow.

24 Blood on the scarecrow,

25 Blood on the plow.

26 There's ninety-seven crosses planted in the court house lawn,

27 Ninety-seven families who lost ninety-seven farms.

28 I think about my grandpa, my neighbors, and my name,

29 Some nights I feel like dying like that scarecrow hanging in the rain.

30 Rain on the scarecrow,

31 Blood on the plow.

32 This land that fed a nation, this land makes me proud.

33 "Son, I'm sorry but they're just memories for you now."

34 Rain on the scarecrow,

35 Blood on the scarecrow,

36 Blood on the plow

37 Repeat chorus........

John Cougar Mellencamp

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