The people who applaud the music from O Brother, Where Art Thou? as a return to old-fashioned values and wholesome morals have obviously been smoking some of that Big Rock Candy Mountain. Why? Because …
“Po Lazarus” — High sheriff’s command to bring him the fugitive Lazarus “dead or alive” is an example of unconstitutional, string-’em-up vigilante justice.
“Big Rock Candy Mountain” — Glorifies a laundry list of no-nos, including vagrancy, smoking, alcoholism, and general poor hygiene (“… you never change your socks”).
“You Are My Sunshine” — Singer’s unhealthy obsession with former lover will most likely lead to his eventual stalking arrest.
“Down in the River to Pray” — Mass convergence of presumably unwashed sinners at the river for baptism could have adverse effect on downstream water supplies.
“I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” — Protagonist chooses to abandon loved ones and ride the rails (without buying a ticket) rather than face his chronic depression.
“Hard Time Killing Floor Blues” — Encouraging people to go “door to door” violates most cities’ and towns’ solicitation ordinances.
“Keep on the Sunny Side” — Drought-stricken farmers rarely want to hear about the sunny side of anything.
“I’ll Fly Away” — Describes a convict’s desire to escape from prison, even if it is to be with his Savior.
“Didn’t Leave Nobody But the Baby” — Disturbing lullaby of child abandonment; “you and me and the devil makes three” suggests possible Satanic overtones.
“In the Highways” — Age of song’s participants and amount of work described in song points to severe violation of child labor laws.
“I am Weary” — Vocalist’s eagerness to “be with the angels” obviously a thinly veiled suicide wish.
“O Death” — Asking favors of the Grim Reaper (“spare me over till another year”) usually leads to trouble. In the movie, song is used as a prelude to lynching.
“In the Jailhouse Now” — Singer’s recidivist friend Ramblin’ Bob expresses no remorse for his multiple scrapes with the law.
“Lonesome Valley” — Song’s molasses-like pace could cause otherwise repentant sinners to commit further evils out of sheer exasperation.
“Angel Band” — More preoccupation with death and dying.
This article appears in July 19 • 2002.