The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Busted" by the artist "Willie Nelson"

Willie Nelson's "Busted" paints a heartbreaking picture of a man grappling with abject poverty. The lyrics follow his descent into despair as he confronts a cascade of misfortunes:

Financial ruin: He can't afford even the most basic necessities for his family, like shoes for his child. The collapse of cotton prices, his primary source of income, is the root cause.

Desperation and hopelessness: Everything he owns – a cow that won't give milk, a hen that won't lay eggs – is useless. Debts are piling up, and his property is on the verge of being seized.

Inability to find help: The man's brother, whom he turns to for help, is in equally dire straits. Illness has ravaged his family, leaving him with nothing.

Dire poverty and hunger: Food supplies have run out, and there's no hope for a harvest. The man and his family face starvation. He's forced to leave home in search of work, but sees no way out of his predicament.

The recurring phrase "busted" emphasizes the utter despair and hopelessness consuming the man. The song serves as a poignant portrayal of the hardships faced by farmers during the Great Depression, a time when economic turmoil drove countless families into poverty.