Meaning of "John Barleycorn" by Traffic

"John Barleycorn" is a traditional British folk song that personifies barley and its transformation into beer. The lyrics depict the various stages of barley cultivation, from planting to harvest, where John Barleycorn undergoes a brutal process of being cut down, pricked, ground, and ultimately consumed. The repeated theme of John Barleycorn's resilience in the face of maltreatment can be interpreted as a metaphor for the life cycle of barley, which is sown, grows, and is eventually harvested to produce alcohol. The song celebrates the importance of barley in providing sustenance and enjoyment through the creation of beer. Additionally, the imagery of John Barleycorn becoming the 'strongest man at last' highlights the power of alcohol to intoxicate and influence individuals. The final lines suggest that without a little bit of 'Barleycorn', various trades and activities such as hunting or blacksmithing cannot be carried out effectively, alluding to the ubiquitous role of alcohol in society.