Root hog or die


"Root hog or die" is a common American catch-phrase dating at least to the early 1800s. Coming from the early colonial practice of turning pigs loose in the woods to fend for themselves, the term is an idiomatic expression for self-reliance.
The word "root" is used as an imperative verb, as is "die". The phrase can be parsed as, "Root, hog, or die."

Early examples of use

  • 1829: "In Ohio, they have a vulgar proverb which runs thus—"Root, hog, or die." It is usually spread in staring capitals among idlers and it is said often has an admirable effect in promoting habits of industry." —Vermont Gazette
  • 1834: "We know'd that nothing more could happen to us if we went than if we staid, for it looked like it was to be starvation any way; we therefore determined to go on the old saying, root, hog or die." —Davy Crockett, ''A Narrative of the Life of David Crockett, of the State of Tennessee.''

Songs

The term resulted in several songs with the same theme.

"Root Hog or Die" (c. 1854)

Several songs of unknown authorship were published before the Civil War, including patriotic and minstrel songs. A patriotic version opens with:

"Root, Hog, or Die" (1856)

The most popular song of the era was a minstrel song variously titled "Root, Hog, Or Die" or "Do Jog Along", sometimes credited to George W.H. Griffin, which was first copyrighted in 1856. Many variations exist—a common first verse is:

"Root Hog or Die" (1858)

A song from the gold field camps on the front range of the Rockies written by A. O. McGrew in 1858 addressed the hardships of gold miners. It was first sung at a Christmas party near present-day Denver. The first verse:

Civil War songs

Both sides in the Civil War had root, hog, or die songs. A verse from "Flight of Doodles", a Confederate song, is typical:

"A Philosophical Cowboy"

A folk song collected in 1911 tells of the hard life of the cowboy. The last verse is:
This version, and variations of it, are still recorded.
Newer versions have also been recorded.
Woody Guthrie recorded a version "Root, Hog & Die" about the trial of Sacco & Vanzetti, changing the narrative to that of a man racing to get to Boston before their scheduled execution in 1927.
June Carter Cash had a minor hit in 1950 with her version, now available on YouTube with guitar by Chet Atkins. The first verse is as follows: