Meaning of "Country Life" by Show Of Hands

The lyrics of "Country Life" by Show Of Hands paint a poignant picture of the harsh realities faced in rural communities. The song portrays the consequences of industrial accidents through the story of the narrator's brother losing fingers in a chainsaw incident and descending into a life of drinking and fighting. It also touches on the decline of traditional family farms, as shown by the deserted village and the narrator's father leaving the farm as only a few were able to sustain their livelihoods. The song critiques the neglect and abandonment of rural areas by authorities, manifested in the deserted village and the lack of support for struggling farmers. The impact of modern farming techniques is also highlighted, with imagery of cattle burning during foot and mouth disease outbreaks and the destruction of natural landscapes due to agri-business practices. Ultimately, the song mourns the loss of a bygone era and the erosion of the idyllic countryside dream, calling attention to the harsh realities faced by those living in rural areas.