Tom T. Hall：Meaning of Ballad Of Bill Crump Songmeaning

The Ballad of Bill Crump is a song written by Tom T. Hall about a man named Bill Crump from the North Carolina Hills who was known for his woodworking skills. He built everything from churches and furniture to cradles and pews. Despite his talent, Bill had a weakness for drinking corn whiskey. As he got older, Bill decided to build his own coffin from the woodpile in his yard. He wanted it to be just the right size and made it with the same care he put into all of his other projects. When he passed away, he was buried in his handmade coffin, which was lined with velvet. The song is about the life of Bill Crump and how he used his woodworking skills to contribute to the community. It also touches on his love of corn whiskey and his acceptance of his own mortality. Overall, the song celebrates Bill's life and the legacy he left behind through his craftsmanship.