High Valley - On the Combine Lyrics
Lyrics
John Deere lunch kid and a thermos full of cool aid
September harvest and I missed another school day
14 hours worth of dirt and there were lessons learned
Waste deep in those fields of gold
7 tons of steel and a twelve year old
Working hard just to keep it in a straight line, on the Combine
Hand me down overalls and an a.m. radio
Tried to get it right the first time and take it slow
Alabama singing 'in a hurry and don't know why'
Black clouds and it starts to rain, running short on time and outta faith
Nothing you can do but pray for the sun to shine, on the Combine
Every time I climb that ladder
It takes me back to things that matter Eighty acres and a Friday night
First date dinner in the cab beneath the moonlight
Cushion on a five gallon pail riding shotgun
Time goes by like those waves of grain
But I remember it like yesterday
Where I fell in love for the first time, on the Combine
Eighty acres and a Friday night
First date dinner in the cab beneath the moonlight
Cushion on a five gallon pail riding shotgun
Time goes by like those waves of grain
But I remember it like yesterday
Where I fell in love for the first time, on the Combine
Working hard just to keep it in a straight line
Nothing you can do but pray for the sun to shine
Where I fell in love, in love for the first time
Video
High Valley - On The Combine
Meaning & Inspiration
High Valley's "On the Combine," released on November 23, 2010, is a potent narrative that deeply resonates with the themes of hard work, perseverance, and the sacredness of formative experiences. The song paints a vivid picture of agrarian life, where a young boy, likely around twelve years old, is immersed in the demanding reality of harvest season, sacrificing days of schooling for the vital labor of the fields. This dedication to the task, working fourteen-hour days amidst the dirt and the "fields of gold," is not presented as a burden but as a crucible for learning and growth. The lyrics evoke a sense of responsibility, as the young narrator strives to keep the massive machinery in a straight line, a metaphor for maintaining focus and purpose amidst life's challenges. This echoes the divine instruction found in Proverbs 4:25-26, which urges us to "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the path for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways." The narrative then transitions to the precarious nature of farming, where unexpected rains threaten the livelihood that depends on the sun. The acknowledgment of being "running short on time and outta faith" but having "nothing you can do but pray for the sun to shine" speaks to a profound dependence on forces beyond one's control, a sentiment familiar to anyone who has placed their trust in God's provision, much like the disciples in Matthew 8:26 who were rebuked for their little faith when Jesus calmed the storm.
The chorus shifts the perspective, revealing the combine as more than just a piece of farm equipment; it becomes a vessel of memory and significance. Climbing that ladder to the operator's seat isn't just a physical act; it's a journey back to what truly matters. The image of a "first date dinner in the cab beneath the moonlight" transforms the utilitarian space into a scene of tender beginnings. This juxtaposition of the gritty realities of farming with moments of deep personal connection underscores the idea that sacred moments can be found in the most unexpected places. The simple comforts, like a "cushion on a five gallon pail riding shotgun," speak to an innocent intimacy, a shared experience that imprints itself on the soul. The passing of time, likened to "waves of grain," is powerfully contrasted with the enduring clarity of these memories, particularly the profound experience of falling in love for the first time on the combine. This resonates with the biblical understanding of love as a foundational element of human experience, a gift from God that shapes our lives, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:13, where faith, hope, and love remain, and the greatest of these is love. The song ultimately celebrates the dignity of labor and the enduring power of first loves, suggesting that through diligence and openness to God's presence, even the most demanding environments can become hallowed ground for profound life lessons and cherished memories.