I think the rain on the scarecrow and the blood on the plow is just a metaphor of how the farm is ruined and he cannot create the experiences he lived through when he was younger for his own kid. Rain and blood are often used to symbolize the breakdown or death of something. And obviously a scarecrow and a plow are easily recognizable objects that any person can associate with a farm even if they have never lived on a farm. John is trying to relate his father-son story in a way that every listener of every background can understand.
I also find it interesting that there are a lot of religious references like "wooden cross", "Bible in her hand", and "'Take me to the Promised Land". Overall, I think this song encorporates the feeling of helplessness and guilt for not being able to let his son experience some great parts of life the way he did when he was a child. Sad but great song. Beautifully written.
I think the rain on the scarecrow and the blood on the plow is just a metaphor of how the farm is ruined and he cannot create the experiences he lived through when he was younger for his own kid. Rain and blood are often used to symbolize the breakdown or death of something. And obviously a scarecrow and a plow are easily recognizable objects that any person can associate with a farm even if they have never lived on a farm. John is trying to relate his father-son story in a way that every listener of every background can understand.
I also find it interesting that there are a lot of religious references like "wooden cross", "Bible in her hand", and "'Take me to the Promised Land". Overall, I think this song encorporates the feeling of helplessness and guilt for not being able to let his son experience some great parts of life the way he did when he was a child. Sad but great song. Beautifully written.