Farmer's Song

Neil Young · Other Songs - Neil Young

Well I hate to say the farmer

Was the last of a dying breed

Living off the land

And taking what he needs

Don't say much for the future

When a family can't survive

I'd hate to say the farmer

Was the last of his kind.



In the struggle for parity

Not one man's voice can sound

Cause the foundation

of the conglomerate

Is firmly in the ground.

Yeah, they want to feed the world

But for power and for greed

Then they'll cut off the supply

Until they get what they need.



Well I dreamed I saw a dust bowl

Where the farmers used to live

Earth was flying through the sky

It had nothing left to give

Tractors were burning

On the Whitehouse lawn

Just woke up one morning

And the farmers all were gone



I hate to say the farmer

Was the last of a dying breed

Living off the land

And taking what he needs.

Don't say much for the future

When a family can't survive.

I'd hate to say the farmer

Was the last of his kind.



Don't say much for the future

When a family can't survive.

I'd hate to say the farmer

Was the last of his kind.

Farmer's Song

Neil Young's "Farmer's Song" stands as a quintessential example of his folk-rock and country-infused style, often appearing in his extensive discography of acoustic and electric recordings. The track captures the rustic imagery and working-class themes characteristic of Young's songwriting, reflecting a deep connection to rural life and the American landscape. Recorded during a period where Young frequently explored solo acoustic arrangements before embracing heavier electric instrumentation, the song showcases his signature vocal delivery and lyrical focus on everyday struggles and hopes. While specific album placements vary across different releases, the piece remains a staple in his catalog, resonating with listeners who appreciate his unpretentious approach to storytelling and his ability to blend traditional folk structures with his unique sonic palette.