Big rock candy mountain
Roger Whittaker · New World in the Morning [2005]
One evening as the sun went down
And the jungle fires were burning,
Down the track came a hobo hiking,
And he said, "Boys, I'm not turning
I'm headed for a land that's far away
Besides the crystal fountains
So come with me, we'll go and see
The Big Rock Candy Mountains
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains,
There's a land that's fair and bright,
Where the handouts grow on bushes
And you sleep out every night.
Where the boxcars all are empty
And the sun shines every day
And the birds and the bees
And the cigarette trees
The lemonade springs
Where the bluebird sings
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains.
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains
All the cops have wooden legs
And the bulldogs all have rubber teeth
And the hens lay soft-boiled eggs
The farmers' trees are full of fruit
And the barns are full of hay
Oh I'm bound to go
Where there ain't no snow
Where the rain don't fall
The winds don't blow
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains.
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains
You never change your socks
And the little streams of alcohol
Come trickling down the rocks
The brakemen have to tip their hats
And the railway bulls are blind
There's a lake of stew
And of whiskey too
You can paddle all around it
In a big canoe
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains,
The jails are made of tin.
And you can walk right out again,
As soon as you are in.
There ain't no short-handled shovels,
No axes, saws nor picks,
I'm bound to stay
Where you sleep all day,
Where they hung the jerk
That invented work
In the Big Rock Candy Mountains.
Big Rock Candy Mountain
Roger Whittaker's rendition of 'Big Rock Candy Mountain' captures the whimsical spirit of the classic American folk ballad. Known for his distinctive tenor and baritone range, Whittaker often explored traditional material alongside contemporary pop standards throughout his extensive career. This recording, featured on the 2005 album New World in the Morning, showcases his ability to bring fresh life to enduring songs. The track reflects his broader discography, which spans decades of international success and diverse stylistic interpretations. By selecting this particular piece, Whittaker connects with listeners through a shared cultural touchstone, blending his signature vocal clarity with the playful narrative of the original composition. The performance stands as a testament to his enduring appeal and commitment to musical storytelling across generations.

