"Mule Skinner Blues" is a traditional folk song that has been recorded by many artists, including Merle Haggard. The song revolves around the life of a mule skinner, a person who drives mules pulling heavy loads, such as logs, on a wood line. In the song, the narrator is offering his services as a mule skinner, confident in his ability to work hard and carve his initials on his mule's behind. There are also references to other workers on the wood line, such as the water boy and the woman baking bread. The lyrics also contain playful lines that show the narrator's sense of humor and love for fun, such as asking his partner what they want him to bring back from town, and suggesting a pint of booze and a cowboy hat. Overall, the song highlights the hard work and lighthearted spirit of blue-collar workers in rural America.
