Don’t Worry About the Mule Goin’ Blind

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Don’t worry about the mule going blind - just keep plowing to the end of the row" means "stay focused on your work and don’t fret over things you can’t control." It’s a vivid farm-based metaphor for perseverance.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #OldTimers #Southern #FarmTalk #Proverbs

Hillbilly Dude Says...

The whole sayin' is ‘don’t worry about the mule going blind - just keep plowing to the end of the row.’ This one is probably regional and mainly old timers.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

The whole sayin' is ‘don’t worry about the mule going blind - just keep plowing to the end of the row.’ This one is probably regional and mainly old timers.

Pronunciation

[DONT WUR-ee bout thuh MYOOL GO-in BLIND " JUS KEEP PLOW-in tuh thuh END of thuh ROW]

Meaning & Usage

- Stay focused; don’t fret over things you can’t control (proverb / metaphor)

Mae:

I’m worried about what might go wrong.

Earl:

Don’t worry about the mule going blind - just keep plowing to the end of the row.

variations: keep plowing to the end of the row, focus on the task at hand

★ This saying takes its imagery from farm life. A blind or balky mule might worry you, but the lesson is: keep moving and finish the work regardless. It’s a Southern way of saying "control what you can and don’t stress about the rest." ★

Origin and Etymology

Documented in Southern and Appalachian folk-saying collections, sermons, and political speeches from the mid-20th century onward. Draws on everyday mule-and-plow farm work familiar across the rural South.

Usage Notes

Still heard among older Southerners, preachers, and businesspeople as a homespun motivational line. Outside the South it’s rare and often quoted to evoke a "country wisdom" feel.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "don’t worry ’bout the mule goin’ blind, just keep plowin’ to the end of the row." Often shortened to just the first half or the "keep plowing" part.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does it literally mean to keep plowing?

No - it’s a metaphor about focusing on your task and not worrying about what you can’t control.

Is it uniquely Southern?

Strongest in Southern/Appalachian speech and writings, though quoted elsewhere as "down-home" wisdom.

Do people still use it today?

Yes - especially in sermons, motivational talks, and nostalgic settings.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 15). Don’t Worry About the Mule Going Blind. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/dont-worry-about-the-mule-going-blind
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Don’t Worry About the Mule Going Blind." HillbillySlang.com, 15 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/dont-worry-about-the-mule-going-blind.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Don’t Worry About the Mule Going Blind." HillbillySlang.com. September 15, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/dont-worry-about-the-mule-going-blind.

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