The song "Into the Cornfields" by Colin Hay is about a road trip through the southern United States and the different experiences and sights they encounter along the way. The first verse talks about the gas man and how they don't need to stop for gas because it's already taken care of, implying that the journey has been planned out and prepared for. The second verse talks about the beauty and scars of the Southern states, but also references the presence of bigotry. The chorus "Into the cornfields" repeats multiple times, suggesting that the travelers are entering a new, unfamiliar territory. The third verse introduces a mysterious branding iron in the sky shaped like America, on fire, which highlights a sense of confusion or unrest. The next verse tells a story of a woman who killed a man while in a traveling show, with the use of serpents appearing from her shoulder blades, which is a reference to the story of Eve's deception by the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The final verse talks about Virginia, how it's beautiful and green, but also implies that they are still searching for something, waiting for a sign. The repetition of the phrase "Into the cornfields" suggests that the travelers are hesitant about entering a new, unknown space. The song reflects on the idea of searching for something, encountering unexpected experiences, and navigating unfamiliar territory.
