The song "Bull Mountain Lad" by George Jones tells the story of a troubled young man who grows up in a difficult and turbulent environment. The lyrics suggest that the devil must have been his father, indicating that his upbringing was full of hardships and struggles. The narrator, who has witnessed the troubled life of the bull mountain lad, describes various instances of trouble and pain. The lad's mother is depicted as crying while he runs wild, and his father disowns him, stating that he is not his son. His uncle even physically abuses him with a double plow line. The song also highlights the poverty and lack of basic necessities that the lad and his family endure. The mother is seen barefoot in the cold winter, and the father spends long periods drinking excessively. The children are portrayed as hungry and crying during mealtimes due to their financial struggles. The lyrics indicate that despite the challenges, the mother finds solace in prayer and reading the Bible late at night. However, the father disregards her devotion and demands that she extinguish the light. The narrator also mentions witnessing the mother doing the laundry, with clothes freezing on the line, further emphasizing the difficult circumstances faced by the family. Overall, "Bull Mountain Lad" is a poignant and somber song that tells the tale of a young man growing up in a troubled and emotionally challenging environment. It captures the harsh realities and struggles faced by the lad and his family, depicting a life filled with pain, abuse, poverty, and emotional distress.
