don't worry about the mule going blind
Quit fretting about what might go wrong and finish the job.
Also called don't worry about the mule going blind, just load the wagon.
Updated September 21, 2026
don't worry about the mule going blind pronunciation
/dont WUR-ee uh-bout thuh MYOOL go-in BLAHYND/
Meaning
Farm talk for stay on task. A mule going blind would be a problem, sure, but fretting about it does not load the wagon. Folks often tack on "just load the wagon" or "keep plowing to the end of the row." Heard when somebody is spinning out over a maybe-problem instead of doing the work in front of them.
How folks use it
- “Rain might come later. Don't worry about the mule going blind. Just get that hay loaded.”
- “He was fussing about every little thing till Mama said, don't worry about the mule going blind and finish your chores.”
Origin and etymology
Rural Southern farm saying built on mule-and-wagon work. Exact first speaker is murky. Negro League slugger George "Mule" Suttles used a version ("just load the wagon and give me the lines"), and coaches and politicians later borrowed the line as plain country pep talk.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a longer version?
Yes. Plenty of people add "just load the wagon" or "keep plowing to the end of the row." Same punch either way.