Drover

Bill Callahan's song "Drover" delves into the life of a solitary cattle driver, exploring themes of isolation, resilience, and the harsh realities of life in the wild. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who has been left alone with his dreams, his cattle, and his resonator guitar. The opening lines suggest a sense of abandonment, as the 'real people' have gone away, leaving the protagonist to find solace in his work and his music.

The imagery of driving cattle 'right under your nose' and the 'lumbering footloose power' of the animals highlights the drover's intimate connection with his herd. The bull and the rose symbolize the beauty and danger inherent in his life, and his plea to not touch or hurt the cattle underscores his protective nature. The drover's journey is marked by a sense of loss and consolation, as he drives his cattle past crops he believes to be lost and sets his watch against the city clock, only to find it 'way off.' This reflects the disconnect between his rural life and the urban world.

The chorus emphasizes the mental fortitude required to survive in the 'wild, wild country.' The repetition of 'it takes a strong, strong, it breaks a strong, strong mind' underscores the relentless challenges faced by the drover. The song also touches on the theme of sacrifice, as the drover's pain and frustration are transferred to his cattle, who bear the burden for him and everyone else. When the cattle turn on him, he is momentarily defeated but rises again, embodying the resilience and determination of a true drover. The song concludes with a sense of duty and inevitability, as the drover accepts his role and the sacrifices it entails, finding meaning in his solitary, rugged existence.