Hambone Journey: A Musical Tale of Adventure, Love, and Sunday Hats (2024)

"Hambone" by John Dee Holeman is a traditional folk song that carries a playful and rhythmic narrative. The song revolves around the character of Hambone, who seems to be a traveler, always on the move and experiencing various aspects of life. While the song does not have a linear storyline, it explores several recurring themes and emotions.

The central theme of the song is the anticipation of coming back home after a journey. Hambone's adventures around the world and his plans to return home are a reflection of the wanderlust and restlessness that many people experience in life. The idea of taking a walk by the railroad track upon returning suggests a simple, familiar, and comforting routine as a way to reconnect with one's roots.

The song also touches upon themes of hope and desire through the repeated lines about Papa buying a mockingbird and a diamond ring. These objects symbolize the pursuit of happiness and the desire for something better. If the initial desires aren't fulfilled, the song suggests the willingness to adapt and make do with what's available, as evidenced by the mention of taking the ring to the five and dime.

The playful and humorous nature of the song is evident when Hambone describes how he makes items for his wife using unconventional materials like an alley cat for a hat and a goat hide for a coat. This highlights the creativity and resourcefulness one can display in everyday life, even with limited means.

The lyrics also briefly touch upon gender roles with the mention of Hambone's wife cooking beans and rice in the kitchen. It provides a snapshot of traditional domestic life, which contrasts with Hambone's adventurous spirit.

In the latter part of the song, the focus shifts to Hambone's comical attempts at eating, with ketchup on his elbow and a pickle on his feet. These lines emphasize the humor and absurdity present in everyday situations, showcasing how life can be both challenging and amusing simultaneously.

The song's chorus, "Hambone, hambone, where you been?" acts as a recurring motif, underlining the continuous cycle of Hambone's travels and return. It represents the eternal cycle of life's journeys, adventures, and homecomings.

In summary, "Hambone" by John Dee Holeman is a lively folk song that explores themes of travel, anticipation, desire, creativity, and the humorous aspects of everyday life. Through its repetitive structure and playful lyrics, it conveys a sense of joy and resilience in the face of life's ups and downs, making it an enjoyable and relatable piece of folk music.

Inquiry about Hambone's whereabouts.

Hambone has traveled around the world and plans to do so again.

Question about Hambone's plans upon return.

Hambone intends to take a leisurely walk by the railroad track.

Inquiry about whether Hambone has heard something.

Papa plans to buy a mockingbird.

Contingency plan: If the mockingbird doesn't sing, Papa will buy a diamond ring.

If the diamond ring doesn't shine, Papa will take it to the five and dime.

Inquiry about Hambone's recent whereabouts.

Hambone has skinned an alley cat to make a Sunday hat for his wife.

Description of Hambone's resourcefulness.

Hambone took the hide off a goat to make a Sunday coat for his wife.

Inquiry about the location of Hambone's wife.

Hambone's wife is in the kitchen, cooking beans and rice.

Hambone is trying to eat.

Humorous description of Hambone's situation: Ketchup on his elbow, pickle on his feet.

Bread in the basket, chicken in the stew - details of Hambone's meal.

Hambone is vocalizing, expressing distress or excitement.