"South Dakota" by James McMurtry is a song about a soldier who returns home from duty and faces the harsh reality of life in rural South Dakota. The song's narrative opens with the sergeant expressing his frustration at the end of a long day of searching for criminals. The soldier, who has just been discharged, arranges to return home to South Dakota where he is reunited with his family, including his brother Jack. Despite the warm welcome, it becomes clear that times are tough in South Dakota. The family's cattle business is struggling due to poor weather and the recent deaths of many of their animals. In addition, the local economy is stagnant, with little opportunity for employment or financial growth. The family struggles to make ends meet, and they are eventually forced to sell off their cattle hide collection just to make some money. The soldier realizes that there is little hope for him and his family in South Dakota, and the song ends on a somber note as they face the reality of their situation and the possibility of losing their land. The song portrays the harsh reality of life in rural America, where economic struggles and limited opportunities are commonplace.
