S.O.D. "Big Rock Candy Mountain" by Harry McClintock

2/4/2016     This song used to be not suitable for children.  Originally written as a hobo's paradise in 1895, it told the story of a child being drawn into the hobo life by the temptations of the Big Rock Candy Mountain.  With a cigarette tree, streams of booze and a lake of whiskey, the 1928 version was a bit rough around the edges.  

     It became more popular in 1939 and hit number one on Billboard magazine's country chart.  The version we here today was recorded in 1949 by Burl Ives.  The Library of Congress has the song in their archives as "Appleknockers Lament."  There is a group of colorful hills in Marysville, Utah that has been officially named "The Big Rock Candy Mountain."