The song Six-Year Drought by James McMurtry is about a man who is reflecting on his life and experiences on a farm during a six-year drought. He talks about his unsuccessful attempts to please someone who never had much faith in him, possibly a former partner or family member. He also mentions the struggles of farming during a drought, with fine dust in the tire ruts and creeks no longer running. Despite the difficult times, the man takes pride in his ability to work hard and hold his own on the farm. He mentions mending fences for room and board and slinging a blade all summer long to clear the pasture and get the work done for another year. The man also observes the changes in the world around him, with distant storms and a whisper in the trees. He sees himself as a visitor on the farm and recognizes that the drought won't hurt him personally, but it has certainly impacted the land and those who depend on it. Overall, Six-Year Drought is a song about resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. The man may not have been able to please everyone in his life, but he has found a sense of purpose and pride in his work on the farm.
