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Once Hallowed Ground
Lyrics
ONCE HALLOWED GROUND
Mark Patterson © 2026

The sorghum was whisperin' as it waved you good bye
It swayed with the memory of good years gone by
The livestock were somber and hung their heads low
And I can't shake the look in your eyes when you turned to go
No I can't shake that look in your eyes when you turned to go

Now the land's got no heartbeat no spirit no soul
Tomorrow comes collecting new pastures grow old
The crying wind howls but the rain makes no sound
Like diamonds shed from on high comin' down
Or tears disappearing into once hallowed ground

The mercantile men and the heavens they all did conspire
To scatter the embers of once raging desire
As I recollect we had near as many good years as bad
But there's just no forgetting the spellbound nights that we had
No there's just no forgetting those spellbound nights that we had

This land of reckonin' fights dirty and it don't ever bend
Was just a matter of time 'til it won in the end
So we drank our corn liquor and watched the dream burn
And I would do anything where you were concerned
Oh I'd have done anything where you were concerned

Now the land's got no heartbeat no spirit no soul
Tomorrow comes collecting new pastures grow old
The crying wind howls but the rain makes no sound
Like diamonds shed from on high comin' down
Or tears disappearing into once hallowed ground
Or tears disappearing into once hallowed ground


Short Song Description:
The song tells the story of a couple whose dream was to live off the land but ultimately could not make it work. Their relationship finally crumbles under the weight of life on the farm.
Long Song Description:
"Once Hallowed Ground" is a medium-slow Americana song featuring stellar performances on vocals as well as acoustic and electric guitars. It was recorded, mixed, and mastered in Nashville. The song tells the story of a couple whose relationship could not withstand all of the pressures of farm life.
Story Behind the Song:
"Once Hallowed Ground" tells the story about fighting for survival on the farm when the odds are stacked against you. It paints a picture of a couple whose relationship could not withstand all of the pressures of farm life. As his wife finally leaves him, the farmer now sees the land as having lost its soul, becoming "once hallowed ground".
Lyric Credits: Mark Patterson
Music Credits: Mark Patterson
Producer Credits: Mark Patterson
Publisher Credits: Distinguishing Marks Music LLC
Label Credits: Distinguishing Marks Records
Song Length: 4:52
Primary Genre: Country-Americana
Secondary Genre: Folk-Country
Tempo / Feel: Medium Slow (91 - 110)
Lead Vocal: Male Vocal
Subject Matter 1: Sorrow
Subject Matter 2: Loneliness
Mood 1: Poignant
Mood 2: Heartbreaking
Language: English
Era: 2000 and later