The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn
Alison Krauss (And Union Station) · Live [Rounder] [2002]
'Bout a lazy farmer who wouldn't hoe his corn.
The reason why I never could tell,
That young man was always well.
He planted his corn in the month of June.
By July it was up to his eyes.
Come September, came a big frost.
And all the young man's corn was lost.
His story, kith, had just begun.
Said: "Young man, have you hoed some corn?"
"Well I tried and I tried, and I tried in vain.
"But I don't believe I raised no grain."
He went down town to his neighbour's door.
Where he had often been before.
Sayin': "Pretty little miss, will you marry me?"
"Little miss what do you say?"
"Why do you come for me to wed?
"You, can't even make your own corn grain.
"Single I am, and will remain.
"A lazy man, I won't maintain."
He turned his back and walked away.
Sayin: "Little miss, you'll rue the day.
"You'll rue the day that you were born.
"For givin' me the devil 'cos I wouldn't hoe corn."...
The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn
Alison Krauss and Union Station deliver a spirited interpretation of the traditional folk standard "The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn" on their 2002 live recording. This track exemplifies the group's mastery of bluegrass and old-time music, blending Krauss's crystalline vocals with the tight, energetic instrumentation that defines their live performances. The song, a staple in the American folk repertoire, tells a cautionary tale of a young man who neglects his work, a narrative that resonates deeply within the genre's storytelling tradition. Recorded during a period where the band was solidifying their reputation for dynamic stage presence, this performance captures the raw energy and communal spirit of their concerts. It stands as a testament to their ability to honor traditional material while injecting it with contemporary vitality, showcasing the enduring appeal of classic folk narratives through a modern bluegrass lens.