The Meaning Behind The Song: S Lazy H by Corb Lund

As a fan of country music, I have always been drawn to songs that tell a story. They have a way of capturing the essence of a moment, evoking emotions, and allowing listeners to relate to the struggles and triumphs of the characters portrayed. One song that stands out in this regard is “S Lazy H” by Corb Lund. With its heartfelt lyrics and soulful melody, it tells the story of a dying ranch and the deep connection its owner has to the land.

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The Song Lyrics

“I was born in this valley
On this ranch I was raised
I learned to lope, rope, and dally
On the S Lazy H
The roots of my people
They run deep on this place
I am sixth generation
On the S Lazy H”

The song begins with an introduction to the narrator’s roots on the S Lazy H ranch. It highlights the deep connection they have with the land, having been raised there and being part of a lineage that goes back six generations. The imagery of learning to lope, rope, and dally paints a picture of a carefree youth, where work and play were one and the same.

“When it came to the future
I never gave it a thought
If there were broncs to be broken
Endless steers to be caught
My youth, it was carefree
For the work was my play
And what I loved would always be there
On the S Lazy H”

Continuing in the same nostalgic vein, the lyrics reveal that the narrator never gave much thought to the future. Their passion for working with horses and cattle consumed their days. The S Lazy H ranch was not just a source of income; it was a place of love and fulfillment.

“I had one beloved sister
A few years younger than me
Before a sole cowboy had kissed her
She left for school in the east
Me, I might have gone to college
I might have liked to fly planes
But my dad needed help
To run the S Lazy H”

The song takes a poignant turn when the narrator reveals the sacrifices they made for the sake of the ranch. Their younger sister left the ranch to pursue education and a different life in the east, leaving the narrator to shoulder the responsibilities of running the S Lazy H. It becomes clear that their dreams were put on hold in order to preserve the legacy of their family’s land.

“So I worked there alongside him
Put a lot of years in this place
And I gained appreciation
For the lines on his face
And when mom had grown older
And when dad passed away
It fell to me to look after
The S Lazy H”

The passing of time is marked by the narrator’s dedication to the ranch. They worked alongside their father, putting in years of hard work and gaining an understanding of the challenges that come with running a ranch. When their parents grew older and eventually passed away, the responsibility of looking after the S Lazy H fell solely on their shoulders.

“By now my sister, she had married
A sharp attorney at school
We didn’t see eye to eye
But I did my best to make peace
What did they see when they over
Over the fence one fine day
They saw a whole lot of value
In the S Lazy H”

The lyrics take another turn when the narrator’s sister, who had previously left the ranch, returns with her husband and sees the value in the S Lazy H. This newfound recognition of the ranch’s worth leads to a courtroom battle, as the decision is made to divide the property. Unfortunately, the narrator is forced to sell a significant portion of the ranch to compensate for the value it holds.

“Sometimes right isn’t equal
Sometimes equal’s not fair
There will soon be rows of houses
On that ridge over there
Many lifetimes of labor
Will be all but erased
Shed a tear and look skyward
God help the S Lazy H”

The poignant lyrics of the song acknowledge the unfairness of the situation. Despite the decades of labor and love poured into the ranch, progress and development loom over the land. The narrator mourns the impending loss, shedding a tear and looking skyward for divine intervention to protect the S Lazy H.

“The last few years were a struggle
But I gave it my best
And I tried to go forward
On the land that was left
I have lived with the sorrow
And I will die with the shame
For now the bank owns what’s left
Of the S Lazy H”

The song concludes with a bittersweet acknowledgment of the struggles faced in the final years of the ranch’s existence. The narrator did their best to carry on in the face of adversity but ultimately had to concede. The weight of the loss is palpable, as they express both sorrow and shame for not being able to preserve what remains of the S Lazy H.

Personal Reflections

This song resonates with me on a personal level, as I have witnessed the heartbreaking loss of family-owned ranches and the disappearance of traditional ways of life. Growing up in a small rural community, I have seen firsthand how encroaching development can erode the values and legacies tied to the land.

The S Lazy H represents something more than just a physical place; it is a symbol of heritage and the connection between generations. Corb Lund’s song reflects the realities faced by many families who have dedicated their lives to working the land. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the deep love and respect that comes from being stewards of the earth.

In conclusion, “S Lazy H” by Corb Lund is a powerful song that captures the essence of a dying ranch and the emotional toll it takes on the narrator. Through its heartfelt lyrics and soulful melody, it tells a story of sacrifice, loss, and the struggle to hold onto a vanishing way of life. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and the deep connection we have with the land.

Song Information

TitleArtistAlbumRelease Date
S Lazy HCorb LundThings That Can’t Be UndoneJanuary 1, 2015

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