Meaning of "Milkcow's Calf Blues" by John Hammond

The song "Milkcow's Calf Blues" uses the metaphor of a milkcow and her calf to explore themes of neglect, betrayal, and longing for fidelity. The milkcow symbolizes a source of nurturing and sustenance, but her inability to provide proper milk for her calf represents a failure to fulfill her role. This failure is exacerbated by her own wandering tendencies, as she is "ramblin' for miles around" and getting involved with another bull cow. The narrator's plea for the milkcow to return home and take responsibility hints at a deeper longing for loyalty and commitment, both from the cow and in broader relationships. The song captures a sense of longing, disappointment, and unfulfilled expectations in a poignant and relatable way.