Ballad Of Hollis Brown

Nina Simone's rendition of 'Ballad Of Hollis Brown' is a haunting narrative that delves deep into the harrowing life of a man named Hollis Brown. Living on the outskirts of town in a dilapidated cabin with his wife and five children, Hollis is a representation of extreme poverty and the relentless struggle to survive. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of his dire circumstances, where the lack of work and money leads to a life of constant hardship and hunger. The desperation is palpable as his children are so hungry they can't even smile, and his baby's eyes look crazed with need.

The song progresses to show the escalating despair of Hollis Brown. The imagery of rats eating their flour and bad blood affecting their mare symbolizes the pervasive decay and misfortune that plagues their lives. Despite his prayers for help, Hollis finds no solace or assistance, highlighting the isolation and neglect faced by those in extreme poverty. The cries of his children and the screams of his wife become unbearable, driving him to the brink of madness. The turning of the grass to black and the drying up of the well further emphasize the hopelessness of their situation.

In a tragic climax, Hollis Brown's desperation culminates in a moment of irreversible decision. The seven shotgun shells he buys with his last dollar signify the impending doom. The cold call of a coyote in the wilderness and the fixation on the shotgun hanging on the wall build up to the final, devastating act. The seven shots that ring out, resulting in the death of Hollis and his family, are a stark reminder of the extreme measures that can arise from unrelenting despair. The song ends on a somber note, with the mention of seven new lives being born somewhere, perhaps hinting at the cyclical nature of life and suffering.