"John Barleycorn" (song)

"John Barleycorn" is a traditional English folk song that personifies barley, a key ingredient in beer and whiskey. The song narrates the life cycle of barley, from its cultivation to its harvest and eventual transformation into alcoholic beverages. Through this metaphor, it explores themes of agriculture, human labor, and the relationship between nature and society. The figure of John Barleycorn represents not only the grain itself but also the broader cultural significance of alcohol in social life. The song has been adapted by various artists, notably by the band Traffic in the 1970s, highlighting its enduring appeal.