by Cows in Low Places
Bale Harrison & The Field Hands
The farmer’s relationship with his neighbor might be the most intense love-hate dynamic since Ross and Rachel. Every time the cows escape, it’s like a new episode of “Will they or won’t they… stay on good terms?” — Bale Harrison
DOWNLOAD THE MP3 – Cows in Low Places
Verse 1:
Blame it all on the rain,
I’ve been cursing in vain,
Those cows just don’t understand.
I thought I had ‘em fenced,
But now I’m feeling tense,
They’re munching on my neighbor’s land.
I was raised on a farm,
But now I’m feeling harm,
Cause they’re grazing where they don’t belong.
They found a way out,
Through a gap, no doubt,
And now I’m singing this cow wrangling song.
Chorus:
Cause I’ve got cows in low places,
Where the grass is green and the neighbor chases,
Them back to me, but it ain’t a breeze.
I’m down here in these low places,
Fixing fences while I curse their faces,
Oh, cows, why can’t you just graze with ease?
Verse 2:
Well, I guess I was wrong,
I didn’t make the fence strong,
Thought the wire was tight and sound.
But when the storm came through,
They knew what to do,
They just moseyed on out, not a cow to be found.
And now they’re over yonder,
While I sit here and ponder,
Why they love that forbidden ground.
It’s lush and green,
But it sure is mean,
When the neighbor’s shouting, “Get those cows back around!”
Chorus:
Cause I’ve got cows in low places,
Where the grass is green and the neighbor chases,
Them back to me, but it ain’t a breeze.
I’m down here in these low places,
Fixing fences while I curse their faces,
Oh, cows, why can’t you just graze with ease?
Bridge:
Well, the neighbor’s got a point,
And I’m feeling the heat,
But those cows just see greener grass.
So I’ll mend the fence,
And pray for some sense,
In these cows that keep giving me sass.
Chorus:
Yeah, I’ve got cows in low places,
Where the grass is green and the neighbor chases,
Them back to me, but it ain’t a breeze.
I’m down here in these low places,
Fixing fences while I curse their faces,
Oh, cows, why can’t you just graze with ease?
Outro:
Oh, cows, why can’t you just graze with ease?
Yeah, cows, stay on my side, would you please?
These satirical lyrics playfully reimagine Garth Brooks’ classic hit, turning it into a humorous tale of a farmer’s endless struggle to keep his cows from wandering into the neighbor’s field. The frustration of mending fences and the neighbor’s exasperation are captured with a light-hearted tone, perfect for a country-loving audience.
Analysis of “Cows in Low Places” and Its Resonance with Dairymen and Dairywomen
Bale Harrison & The Field Hands’ satirical hit “Cows in Low Places” has struck a chord with many in the farming community, particularly with those in the dairy industry. The song, a parody of Garth Brooks’ iconic “Friends in Low Places,” humorously chronicles the challenges of keeping cattle contained and the inevitable mishaps that occur when those stubborn bovines find their way into forbidden pastures. While the song’s lyrics are light-hearted and funny, they touch on a deeper truth that resonates with dairymen and dairywomen who live the reality of these challenges every day.
A Common Struggle: Escaped Cattle and Fences in Disrepair
One of the central themes of “Cows in Low Places” is the frustration of dealing with escaped cattle. For those who work in dairy farming, this is not just a minor inconvenience; it can be a significant problem that disrupts the daily operations of the farm. Dairy cows, with their curious nature and powerful bodies, have a knack for finding weak spots in fences and exploiting them. Whether it’s a gap in the wire, a broken post, or a section of the fence weakened by weather, cows seem to have an uncanny ability to identify and push through these vulnerabilities.
The song’s lyrics capture this frustration perfectly:
“Blame it all on the rain,
I’ve been cursing in vain,
Those cows just don’t understand.
I thought I had ‘em fenced,
But now I’m feeling tense,
They’re munching on my neighbor’s land.”
For dairymen and dairywomen, this verse is a familiar story. Many have experienced the panic of discovering that their herd has wandered off into a neighbor’s field, munching on crops or causing damage that can lead to tensions between neighbors. The song’s humor lies in the exaggerated frustration of the farmer, but the underlying message is one of empathy for the all-too-common struggles faced by dairy farmers.
The Importance of Fences: A Metaphor for Control
In “Cows in Low Places,” the fence is more than just a physical barrier; it represents the farmer’s attempt to maintain control over the herd. In the dairy industry, control is paramount. Dairymen and dairywomen must manage every aspect of their cows’ lives, from feeding schedules to milking routines, to ensure that the animals are healthy and productive. When cows escape, it’s not just about losing control of where they graze—it’s a disruption of the entire system that can lead to stress for both the animals and the farmer.
The chorus of the song reflects this sense of loss of control:
“Cause I’ve got cows in low places,
Where the grass is green and the neighbor chases,
Them back to me, but it ain’t a breeze.
I’m down here in these low places,
Fixing fences while I curse their faces,
Oh, cows, why can’t you just graze with ease?”
The repeated phrase “cows in low places” plays on the idea that the cattle have found the best, most tempting grass, but it’s in the worst possible location—someone else’s field. This resonates with dairy farmers who understand the challenge of keeping their cattle happy and contained. It’s not just about the physical work of mending fences; it’s about managing the unpredictable nature of livestock and the constant effort required to keep the farm running smoothly.
The Emotional Connection: Humor as a Coping Mechanism
Humor has always been a vital coping mechanism in farming communities, where the work is hard, and the stakes are high. “Cows in Low Places” provides a humorous outlet for the frustrations that dairymen and dairywomen face daily. The song’s playful tone allows farmers to laugh at their own misfortunes, turning what could be a source of stress into a shared experience that bonds them with others in the industry.
The bridge of the song adds to this sense of shared frustration:
“Well, the neighbor’s got a point,
And I’m feeling the heat,
But those cows just see greener grass.
So I’ll mend the fence,
And pray for some sense,
In these cows that keep giving me sass.”
This verse highlights the often-absurd nature of farming—where despite a farmer’s best efforts, the cows will always find a way to outsmart them. For dairy farmers, who spend long hours tending to their herds, this kind of humor is not just entertaining; it’s a form of relief from the pressures of their work.
Why “Cows in Low Places” Resonates with Dairy Farmers
At its core, “Cows in Low Places” resonates with dairymen and dairywomen because it speaks to the realities of their lives. It acknowledges the hard work, the frustrations, and the unpredictable nature of working with livestock, all while providing a light-hearted way to process these challenges. The song also taps into the deep sense of responsibility that dairy farmers feel for their animals and their land. Keeping cows contained isn’t just about avoiding inconvenience—it’s about maintaining the health and safety of the herd, preserving relationships with neighbors, and ensuring the farm’s success.
Furthermore, the song’s relatability extends beyond the specifics of escaping cows. It captures the broader experience of dairy farming, where every day can bring unexpected challenges, and where the rewards are often tempered by setbacks. By turning these challenges into a catchy, humorous song, Bale Harrison & The Field Hands have given dairy farmers an anthem that they can sing along to, knowing that it reflects their own experiences.
In conclusion, “Cows in Low Places” is more than just a parody—it’s a celebration of the resilience and humor that define the dairy farming community. It offers a sense of camaraderie, reminding dairymen and dairywomen that they are not alone in their struggles, and that sometimes, the best way to deal with the challenges of farm life is to laugh, pick up the pieces, and carry on.
- Neighborly “Love”: The farmer’s relationship with his neighbor might be the most intense love-hate dynamic since Ross and Rachel. Every time the cows escape, it’s like a new episode of “Will they or won’t they… stay on good terms?”
- The Grass is Always Greener: The cows are basically living the old adage, “the grass is always greener on the other side.” They’re proof that even bovines can’t resist a little forbidden fruit (or in this case, forbidden pasture).
- Fence Fixing: A Never-Ending Job: The song’s farmer is basically the MacGyver of fence fixing. But no matter how many times he patches it up, the cows always seem to be one step ahead—kind of like trying to keep a toddler out of the cookie jar.
- Cows as Comedians: The cows in the song are practically stand-up comedians. Their version of a punchline? Grazing in the wrong field and watching the farmer’s reaction with what must be a smirk—or as much of a smirk as a cow can manage.
- The Ultimate Cow Conundrum: The farmer’s plea, “Oh, cows, why can’t you just graze with ease?” might be the most relatable question of all time. It’s like asking your cat why they insist on knocking things off the counter—they do it because they can.
- An Udder Disaster: The phrase “fixing fences while I curse their faces” sums up the life of a dairy farmer. It’s an udder disaster every time those cows decide to take a field trip, but at least it makes for a good laugh later on.
- Nature’s Sense of Humor: The farmer blames the rain for the cows’ escape, but let’s be real—nature’s got a twisted sense of humor. It’s like Mother Nature saw the farmer relaxing and thought, “Not on my watch, buddy!”
- Cows with a Plan: You’d think the cows were holding secret meetings about how to drive their farmer crazy. “Okay, Bessie, today you nudge the fence. Daisy, you find the greenest grass. The rest of us? We’ll just look innocent.”
- A Country Music Classic: If the cows ever form a band, “Cows in Low Places” would be their number one hit. It’s basically their anthem, celebrating their endless quest for the perfect pasture and their knack for turning the farmer’s life into a country song.
