This song was written by Enoch Kent who gave it to Garnet Rogers after hearing Garnet and Doug MacArthur perform
a song called ‘Break the Law’ which protested the increasing practise of bank foreclosures of small, family
farms.
‘The Farm Auction’ is available on Garnet’s album ‘The Outside Track’.
I learned this from the album, back in the day, and can’t swear as to whether or not my interpretation is in
the same key as the original. I’ve heard a more recent version done by Mr. Kent and it is essentially the same
although the ordering of the lyrics differs slightly.
THE FARM AUCTION
VERSE 1.
D A7 G D
A rusting tractor, on the hill, the fence post with the posted bill
G D A7
That said the sale was on until everything was sold.
D A7 G D
Bone and silver napkin rings, elastic bands ‘round spoons and things,
G D A7
Tiny fingers held the strings of that fiddle in the case.
CHORUS:
G D G D
The auctioneer comes here today, privacy is on display,
G D A7
The highest bidder takes away, but they can’t take it all.
VERSE 2.
D A7 G D
Coffee pots we never used, silver frames a little bruised
G D A7
Around the portraits that amused us in the parlor and the hall.
D A7 G D
Fireglow with favorite songs, and laughter are the things among
G D A7
The memories, that still belong in those empty rooms.
CHORUS:
G D G D
The auctioneer comes here today, privacy is on display,
G D A7
The highest bidder takes away, but they can’t take it all.
VERSE 3.
D A7 G D
A jar of nails, a box of tacks, the dining chairs with wicker backs,
G D A7
Are in the garden, piled in stacks, being spotted by the rain,
D A7 G D
Remember when the lights were low, we had pies, balloons, and mistletoe.
G D A7
The morning sunlight on the snow, who will buy a broken sleigh?
CHORUS:
G D G D
The auctioneer comes here today, privacy is on display,
G D A7
The highest bidder takes away, but they can’t take it all.
VERSE 4.
D A7 G D
The auctioneer comes here today, cars line the street, black and grey,
G D A7
While children watch the odd display, and others touch the lots
D A7 G D
That are numbered with the coloured tags, books and clothing sold in bags,
G D A7
Bought for learning, bought for rags, and everything must go.
CHORUS:
G D G D
The auctioneer comes here today, privacy is on display,
G D A7
The highest bidder takes away, but they can’t take it all.