Rain On The Scarecrow

John Mellencamp's song "Rain On The Scarecrow" is a poignant reflection on the struggles faced by American farmers, particularly during the 1980s farm crisis. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a family farm that has been passed down through generations, only to be lost due to financial hardship. The imagery of a scarecrow on a wooden cross and blood on the plow symbolizes the death of a way of life and the sacrifices made by those who worked the land. The scarecrow, typically a symbol of protection for crops, now stands as a mournful figure in the rain, representing the loss and despair felt by the farmer and his family.

The song delves into the emotional and social impact of losing the farm. The narrator speaks of his pride in the land that fed a nation and the sorrow of not being able to pass on this legacy to his son. The mention of the Farmers Bank foreclosing on the land and the auctioning off of the farm highlights the economic pressures and systemic issues that contributed to the crisis. The reference to the narrator's grandmother singing hymns on the porch adds a layer of spiritual desolation, as the family grapples with the loss of their livelihood and dignity.

Mellencamp also touches on the broader community impact, with the mention of ninety-seven crosses in the courthouse yard representing ninety-seven families who lost their farms. This collective grief and sense of injustice are palpable throughout the song. The repeated refrain of "Rain on the scarecrow, blood on the plow" serves as a haunting reminder of the personal and communal toll of the farm crisis. Through this song, Mellencamp not only tells a personal story but also sheds light on a significant chapter in American history, evoking empathy and awareness for the plight of farmers.