Story Behind The Song

Country people love the simple life, but they are far from simple. Although many country people have financial hardships, they wouldn't trade their way of existence for any other. They are in tune with nature and learn how to deal with it's bounty and harshness. Some cope better than others, just as in every way of life, but, they stay. This song describes one such family.

Song Description

The child in the song could be reading entries from her diary, as she describes events from the last few days. She lives an impoverished life in the country, but takes it in stride, as she steps up to deal with hardships as if they were no big deal. She appreciates and has accepted her lifestyle.

Lyrics

These Ozark Mountain Ways
I. I was determined to ride my rockin' horse.
Even with snow on th' ground.
I 'bout froze my toes out on th' porch.
I been waitin' for shoes from town.
II. Daddy came home with a sack a pups.
I ran out barefoot in th' snow.
He said, "Dooley brothers left 'em in a ditch."
I cuddled 'em all from th' cold.
(Chorus)
These Ozark Mountain ways. Blessin's ever' day.
We all get used to this hard way a life.
Ya gotta keep ya wits and th' will to survive.
We hunt, we grow, we gather, we know, these Ozark Mountain ways.
These Ozark Mountain ways.
(Turnaround)
III. A mama 'possum got in our hen house.
My daddy went and shot her dead.
I cried for th' babies 'tatched in her pouch.
But, chicken eggs kep' us all fed.
IV. Gov'ment man came puffin' up th' hill.
Ten years, since we seen him last.
Takin' census and admirin' our still.
He's still sippin', three days past.
(Chorus)
These Ozark Mountain ways. Blessin's ever' day.
We all get used to this hard way a life.
Ya gotta keep ya wits and th' will to survive.
We hunt, we grow, we gather, we know, these Ozark Mountain ways.
These Ozark Mountain ways.
(Tag) These Ozark Mountain ways.