There's A Hole In My Bucket

Burl Ives · Big Rock Candy Mountain [2000]

There's a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza

There's a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, a hole

Then mend it, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, dear Goofy

Then mend it, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, then mend it

With what shall I mend it, dear Liza, dear Liza?

With what shall I mend it, dear Liza, with what?

With some straw, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, dear Goofy

With some straw, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, some straw

The straw is too long, dear Liza, dear Liza

The straw is too long, dear Liza, too long

Then cut it, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, dear Goofy

Then cut it, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, then cut it

With what shall I cut it, dear Liza, dear Liza?

With what shall I cut it, dear Liza, with what?

With a knife, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, dear Goofy

With a knife, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, with a knife

The knife is too dull, dear Liza, dear Liza

The knife is too dull, dear Liza, too dull

Then sharpen it, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, dear Goofy

Then sharpen it, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, sharpen it

With what shall I sharpen it, dear Liza, dear Liza?

With what shall I sharpen it, dear Liza, with what?

With a stone, dear Goofy, dear goofy, dear Goofy

With a stone, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, with a stone

The stone is too dry, dear Liza, dear Liza

The stone is too dry, dear Liza, too dry

Then wet it, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, dear Goofy

Then wet it, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, then wet it

With what shall I wet it, dear Liza, dear Liza?

With what shall I wet it, dear Liza, with what?

With water, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, dear Goofy

With water, dear Goofy, dear Goofy, with water

In what shall I get it, dear Liza, dear Liza?

In what shall I get it, dear Liza, in what?

In a bucket dear Goofy, dear Goofy, dear Goofy

In a bucket dear Goofy, dear Goofy, in a bucket

There's a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza

There's a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, a hole

There's A Hole In My Bucket

Burl Ives delivers a charming and rustic rendition of 'There's A Hole In My Bucket' on the 2000 compilation Big Rock Candy Mountain. As a defining figure of American folk and country music, Ives brings his signature warm baritone and storytelling prowess to this classic narrative. The song, often associated with the 'Bucket Boys' of the American West, captures the weary yet humorous spirit of a prospector or miner facing the elements. Ives' interpretation emphasizes the lyrical themes of hardship and resilience, grounding the piece in its traditional genre while showcasing his enduring appeal across generations. This recording highlights his ability to transform folk tales into accessible, beloved musical works that celebrate the rugged individualism of the American frontier.