The song Subdivision Blues by Tom T. Hall tells the story of a man who buys a house in a subdivision and encounters a series of problems. He works hard to make payments on the house and fix its plumbing, but soon the problems begin. He faces flooding in the basement and vandalism from neighbors. He tries to defend himself by buying a big German dog but ends up in a dispute with a neighbor who raises hogs. He even faces legal trouble when a hippie sues him for not having a room to rent. The man tries to escape these problems by moving out to the country, but he finds more troubles waiting for him there. His neighbor is subdividing his land, and he faces legal battles over his barn and farm. In the end, he dreams he goes to hell, perhaps symbolizing the frustration and despair he feels from his struggles. The song paints a picture of the difficulties faced by many Americans who strive to achieve the American dream of owning their own home, often facing problems they did not anticipate. It also touches on themes of community, neighborliness, and the conflicts that can arise when people live in close proximity to one another.
