Haying Time
©1981, Lorraine Lee Hammond. Snowy Egret Music, BMI

1. The field mice run for cover and the kids run everywhere.
Leave off what you're doin' and come on, the co-op mower's here.
"That machine could turn a stone deaf," said the old man with a smile.
He's been cracking that joke at haying time since my father was a child.

2. The hard work started when the mower moved on to the next farm down the road.
In the heat of the day we were pitching hay and my dad set the baler to go.
That baler dumped wire all over the field if you looked at it crooked, I swear.
He coaxed and cussed and somehow kept it running for another year.

3. At four o'clock we went back to the barn. Milking and chores don't wait.
Talked of mowers and scythes at supper and we all kept an eye on the weather as we ate.
When it's cut and drying in the field that rain'll turn the whole crop sour.
We worked as the shadows lengthened and the bales grew heavier by the hour.

4. I slept late and when I woke dark clouds were sweeping up the sky.
The old man said, "Let it rain for days 'cause the hay is safe and dry.
" But I guess us kids looked worried and he added with a grin
That by the time the carnival came to town that sun would be back again.

5. I been thinkin' about the old man lately, don't know exactly why.
I put down my evening paper and went out to read the evening sky.
But the streetlights, they outshine the stars when you live in the heart of town.
Think I'll take tomorrow off and drive to the country, just see if the old man's around.