"Letter From the County Farm" is a song by The Eric Burdon Band that tells the story of a person writing a letter from a county farm or prison. The lyrics depict a bleak and oppressive atmosphere where the wind blows relentlessly and the flag cannot be raised for fear of getting torn apart. The song reflects on the harsh conditions and questionable practices at the county farm. The lyrics suggest that the Sheriff has been interfering with the prisoners' minds by giving out questionnaires to the blind inmates. This critique implies the injustice and mistreatment faced by the prisoners in the county farm. The song also mentions the presence of Muzak, or piped-in background music, in the fields, which the narrator dislikes because it further disconnects them from reality. The lyrics convey a desire to silence these artificial sounds and return to a more authentic experience. The narrator reveals their love for singing while working, which becomes an escape from the difficult circumstances. However, the constant blowing wind serves as a metaphor for the persistent challenges they face. As the song progresses, the narrator confesses that they have given up reading and have taken up observing the struggles of others, such as winos chewing their food and people with epilepsy having seizures. The lyrics suggest a growing disillusionment with their situation. The narrator expresses frustration and sadness about receiving censored mail, as the prison staff cuts out parts and words that have emotional meaning. This censorship leaves the narrator feeling like they only have a fragment of the sender's thoughts and emotions. The song briefly touches upon the narrator's desire to be free from the farm and their longing to hear someone play the guitar. They yearn for escape and a break from their current circumstances. Towards the end, the narrator reflects on the peace and quiet in contrast to the discontent of the prison staff, who insult and criticize them for their appearance. The lyrics imply a connection to the ongoing Vietnam War, with reference to Indo-China being present behind the wire of the prison, and it suggests that the war will eventually consume itself in its own destruction. The song concludes with an acknowledgement of the reality of the prison system and a hope to see a loved one during visiting hours. There is also a willingness to endure further mistreatment by turning the other cheek, drawing parallels between personal struggles and societal injustices.
