The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn

Dan Tyminski's song, 'The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn,' tells a cautionary tale about a young farmer whose laziness leads to his downfall. The narrative begins with the farmer's refusal to hoe his corn, a crucial task for ensuring a good harvest. Despite planting his corn in June and seeing it grow tall by July, his neglect results in the crop being destroyed by frost in September. This sets the stage for the song's central theme: the consequences of avoiding hard work.

The farmer's story takes a turn when he visits a neighbor's house to propose marriage to a 'pretty little miss.' Her response is a blunt rejection, highlighting his inability to provide for himself, let alone a family. She makes it clear that she will not marry a man who cannot even tend to his own corn. This interaction underscores the societal expectation of self-sufficiency and the disdain for laziness, especially in a rural, agrarian context.

Feeling scorned, the young man walks away, bitterly predicting that the woman will regret her decision. His parting words reflect his inability to accept responsibility for his own failures, instead blaming her for his misfortune. The song serves as a moral lesson, emphasizing the importance of diligence and the personal and social repercussions of shirking one's duties. Through its simple yet poignant storytelling, 'The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn' resonates as a timeless reminder of the value of hard work and accountability.