"Mr. Harper" is a song by Jeannie C. Riley released in 1968. The song tells the story of a wealthy man named Mr. Harper who lives in Harper Valley. The narrator expresses sympathy towards Mr. Harper as they understand the reasons behind his excessive drinking and troubled thoughts. The song suggests that Mr. Harper's woman is weak, implying that she is not faithful to him. This causes him to feel embarrassed to walk down the streets of Harper Valley, which he essentially built. Despite being the richest man in the valley, Mr. Harper cannot hold his head high due to his personal problems. His young bride is implied to be slipping away from him, which leads to his alcohol dependency as he struggles to face the reality of his failing marriage. The narrator reflects on the age difference between Mr. Harper and his young bride but notes that money can allow a man to do as he pleases. The song questions the whereabouts of Mr. Harper's young bride while he spends his time in Kelly's Bar, waiting for it to close. Overall, "Mr. Harper" portrays a wealthy man who appears to have everything but is struggling with personal issues, including his troubled marriage. Jeannie C. Riley's lyrics offer a glimpse into Mr. Harper's life and shed light on the consequences of his actions.
