"Ole Slew Foot" is a song performed by Johnny Horton that tells the story of a legendary bear known as Slew Foot. The song portrays Slew Foot as a powerful and elusive creature that wreaks havoc in the narrator's life. The first verse describes a mountain setting where the narrator spots bear tracks and realizes that Slew Foot is on the loose. Concerned for his safety, the narrator urges his companion to grab a rifle before it's too late. The mention of a little pig suggests that Slew Foot has already caused damage and is headed towards the narrator's property. The second verse reveals that Slew Foot is a massive bear, known for his size and agility. He can run at high speeds and take long jumps, making it difficult for anyone to catch or trap him. The line "some folks say he look a lot like me" implies that the narrator identifies with Slew Foot's wild and untamed nature. The third verse introduces a subplot where the narrator has invested in bees to produce honey. However, Slew Foot disrupts his plans by raiding the honeycombs in the trees. The narrator's attempts to cut down the trees fail, and the bear continues to enjoy the honey, making himself at home. In the final verse, winter arrives, and the freezing conditions seemingly limit Slew Foot's movements. The narrator, along with others, plans to corner him in a gully and then shoot him as a form of sport. The purpose is not necessarily to kill the bear but to hear him express his pain through his cries. Overall, "Ole Slew Foot" combines elements of folklore, hunting, and a symbolic representation of an untamed, primal force. The song showcases the narrator's struggle against this powerful and elusive creature and serves as a metaphor for the wildness that exists within human nature.
