by Bluebell, the Ice Cream Heifer
By Debbie “Hayride” Harper & The Prairie Songbirds
LYRICS: Bluebell, the Ice Cream Heifer
Hi, Yawl…
…
(Verse 1)
I had a heifer named Bluebell, the Ice Cream Heifer, true,
She’s the queen of the dairy, and she’s always got somethin’ to do.
With her eyes on the barnyard, and her one horn to the night,
She’s always watchin’ for trouble, ready to put up a fight.
(Chorus)
But every morning at dawn, she’s standin’ by the pail,
Her cream so rich and sweet, you know it never fails.
She’s the pride of the pasture, the best you’ve ever seen,
That Bluebell, the Ice Cream Heifer, gives the finest cream.
(Verse 2)
When the sun goes down, and the shadows start to creep,
Bluebell’s on the lookout, while the barnyard’s fast asleep.
Them mice come a-scurrying, thinkin’ they’re sly,
But Bluebell’s got her eyes on ‘em, and she ain’t shy.
(Chorus)
But every morning at dawn, she’s standin’ by the pail,
Her cream so rich and sweet, you know it never fails.
She’s the pride of the pasture, the best you’ve ever seen,
That Bluebell, the Ice Cream Heifer, gives the finest cream.
(Bridge)
Coyotes in the distance, howlin’ at the moon,
But Bluebell’s standin’ strong, ready to make ‘em swoon.
With a stomp of her hoof, and a glare from her eyes,
She sends ‘em packin’ back to the hills, under the starry skies.
(Verse 3)
Now the mice and coyotes, they know who’s boss,
Bluebell runs the show, no matter the cost.
But when the morning light shines, she’s gentle as can be,
Fillin’ up my buckets with the cream that’s heavenly.
(Chorus)
And every morning at dawn, she’s standin’ by the pail,
Her cream so rich and sweet, you know it never fails.
She’s the pride of the pasture, the best you’ve ever seen,
That Bluebell, the Ice Cream Heifer, gives the finest cream.
(Outro)
So here’s to Bluebell, the queen of the farm,
She’s got a heart of gold and a spirit full of charm.
She may fight the night, but when daybreak gleams,
She’s makin’ magic in a bucket, with her sweet, sweet cream.
“Bluebell, the Ice Cream Heifer” by Debbie “Hayride” Harper & The Prairie Songbirds is a classic country tune that captures the charm and simplicity of rural life while also delving into themes of resilience, duty, and the balance between strength and gentleness. Through the character of Bluebell, the song personifies a dairy cow as both a protector and provider, symbolizing the heart of the farm and the interconnectedness of nature and human labor.
The Symbolism of Bluebell
Bluebell, the central figure of the song, is more than just a dairy cow; she represents the steadfast spirit of the farm itself. The nickname “Ice Cream Heifer” highlights her importance in producing rich, high-quality cream, a prized product on a dairy farm. This cream is not just a commodity; it’s a symbol of nourishment, community, and the fruits of hard work. The repeated reference to Bluebell providing “the finest cream” underscores her value, not just in economic terms, but as a source of pride and sustenance for the farm family.
Themes of Conflict and Resilience
The song artfully contrasts Bluebell’s dual roles as both a gentle provider and a fierce defender. During the day, she stands by the pail, delivering the best cream, embodying the nurturing aspect of rural life. However, as night falls, the tone shifts, and Bluebell becomes a guardian of the farm. The lyrics describe her vigilance against mice and coyotes, creatures that symbolize chaos and disruption in the otherwise orderly world of the farm. Bluebell’s readiness to “put up a fight” illustrates her resilience and the protective nature of those who work the land. Her battles with the mice and coyotes are metaphorical, representing the challenges and threats that farmers constantly face, from predators to environmental hardships.
The Interplay of Strength and Gentleness
One of the song’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of the interplay between strength and gentleness. Bluebell’s strength is not just physical but also moral; she is unwavering in her duties, both in protecting the farm and in her daily task of providing cream. This balance of toughness and tenderness mirrors the life of the farmer, who must be both strong enough to handle the demands of farm life and gentle enough to care for the animals and the land.
The song’s structure supports this duality. The verses that describe Bluebell’s nighttime vigilance are marked by a tense, almost ominous tone, reflecting the dangers she faces. In contrast, the chorus, which celebrates her daily provision of cream, is warm and soothing, highlighting the rewards of her hard work. This back-and-forth between the verses and the chorus reinforces the cyclical nature of farm life, where each day brings new challenges but also new rewards.
Connection to Traditional Country Themes
“Bluebell, the Ice Cream Heifer” fits squarely within the tradition of country music that celebrates rural life, hard work, and the deep connection between people and the land. The song’s lyrics, which blend humor with a sense of duty, are reminiscent of classic country narratives that honor the unsung heroes of the farm—the animals that, like Bluebell, play a crucial role in sustaining the farming community. The use of a cow as the protagonist also taps into the tradition of anthropomorphizing animals in country music, giving them human traits to convey deeper messages about life and work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Bluebell, the Ice Cream Heifer” is a rich, multifaceted song that celebrates the complexities of farm life through the character of Bluebell. By portraying her as both a provider and a protector, the song honors the dual roles that many on the farm must play. It’s a tribute to the resilience and dedication required to maintain a farm, as well as a reminder of the rewards that come from such hard work. Debbie “Hayride” Harper & The Prairie Songbirds have crafted a narrative that is both entertaining and deeply meaningful, resonating with anyone who understands the rhythms of rural life.
Originally posted 2009-08-31 16:43:56.
