Where’s My Farm Bill? – Farm Radio

Lyrics: Where’s My Farm Bill?

Performed by Bale Harrison & The Field Hands

Music and Lyrics by Alan Nafzger

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(Verse 1)
I get the feed bill, it comes like clockwork,
The water bill’s never late, no sir!
The machinery bill, well that’s just plain rude,
But Congress won’t send me no Farm Bill, dude!

(Chorus)
There’s a bill for the chickens, a bill for the cows,
A bill for the tractor, got one right now!
But the one that I need, ain’t come down that hill,
Oh Congress, where’s my dang Farm Bill?

(Verse 2)
Got a bill for the hay, and the fence repair,
Even the pasture tax bill’s got flair.
They send me one for pesticides too,
But the Farm Bill? Must be stuck in the loo!

(Chorus)
There’s a bill for the goats, a bill for the plow,
A bill for the barn that’s leakin’ somehow,
But the one that keeps us, from losin’ the mill,
Oh Congress, where’s my missing Farm Bill?

(Bridge)
They say, “Patience, farmer, it’ll come when it can,”
But I’ve been waitin’ like a calf in a fryin’ pan.
The weeds are growin’, the debt is high,
Without that Farm Bill, it’s goodbye!

(Chorus)
There’s a bill for the grain, a bill for the sow,
A bill for the rain that never comes down!
But the Farm Bill, Congress, you’re sittin’ still,
What happened to my lifesaver, my Farm Bill?

(Outro)
So I’ll pay the bills that keep rollin’ in,
Till my wallet’s as thin as a well-worn brim.
But Congress, you know, it’s a long ol’ pill…
Won’t you finally send me my Farm Bill?

(Outro #2)
So here we are, just waiting still,
For Congress to send that missing Farm Bill.
They’ve got their hands full with politics and fuss,
Meanwhile, our farms keep running… thanks to us!

Interview with Alan Nafzger by Farm Reporter, Emily McAllister

What’s Delaying the Farm Bill?

Emily McAllister: “Alan, congratulations again on the success of your song! I’ve gotta ask – with the Farm Bill in limbo, how are farmers reacting politically to this delay?”

Alan Nafzger: “Thanks, Emily! Politically, it’s a mess. You’ve got farmers across the board – big, small, corporate, conventional – all waiting on this legislation. There are fights over where the money should go: crop insurance, conservation programs, even food stamps. Everyone’s at the table, and that’s causing the holdup. Plus, the budget fights aren’t helping, and election season turns everything into a political game of chicken.”

Emily: “Do you think Congress really understands the urgency here?”

Nafzger: “Honestly? It feels like some of them think farmers are made of money! They don’t get that for us, every day without that bill is like watching crops die in the field. They argue over pennies in Washington while farmers are losing dollars every day. There’s a lot at stake – food prices, sustainability, farm support – but until they feel the real-world impact, Congress seems slow to act.”

Emily: “That frustration really comes through in your song. Where did the idea for it come from? It’s so spot on.”

Nafzger: “It hit me like this, Emily: I get bills every month like clockwork. The feed bill, the machinery bill, the water bill, you name it. But the Farm Bill, the one that’s supposed to help me actually pay those other bills, is nowhere to be seen! It’s like Congress is out there mailing bills for everything except what matters most. It was too absurd not to turn into a song. And I wanted to give farmers a voice in the middle of all this political noise.”

Emily: “That’s such a creative way to highlight the issue. Do you think your song is changing how people see the Farm Bill?”

Nafzger: “I hope so! Music can make people pay attention in ways that policy debates can’t. The song is a way of saying, ‘Hey, we’re here, we’re struggling, and we need your help.’ If Congress won’t listen to policy talk, maybe they’ll listen to a tune they can’t get out of their heads. But it’s not just about entertainment; it’s about bringing the urgency home. Every farmer out there is singing the same song in their heads, even if it’s not on the radio.”

Emily: “You’ve always had a knack for blending humor with real issues. What’s your approach to making something like politics funny but still meaningful?”

Nafzger: “Honestly, farming is full of humor if you think about it. We’re out here working with unpredictable weather, stubborn livestock, and, now, unpredictable lawmakers. Life on the farm has taught me that sometimes the only way to handle frustration is to laugh. If I can make people chuckle, and at the same time make them understand how high the stakes are, then I’ve done my job. Besides, if you don’t laugh at politics, it’ll drive you crazy!”

Emily: “I love that! Before we wrap up, what’s next for you, Alan? Another politically charged hit song?”

Nafzger: “Oh, you never know, Emily! I’m working on a few things, but I have a feeling there’s plenty more political material out there – especially with elections around the corner. If Congress doesn’t act soon, I might have to release a whole album about Washington gridlock! But for now, I’ll keep writing, farming, and hoping that the next bill I get in the mail is finally the one I’ve been waiting for.”

Emily: “Well, Alan, keep us posted – and keep those songs coming! Farmers and music fans alike are ready for more.”

Nafzger: “Will do! Thanks, Emily.”

Last Updated on September 7, 2024 by Alan Nafzger