Hope this is the one you mean. The song is by Phil Ochs but I don't know the background or history of the song.

Rusting tractor on the hill, fence post with a printed bill
that says the sale goes on, until everythng is gone.

Gold and silver napkin rings, elastic bands round spoons and things
Tiny fingers touch the strings of that old banjo in the case
Coffee pots they never used, silver frames are slightly bruised
around the portraits that amused, in parlour and in hall.

Auctioneer comes here today, privacy upon display
Highest bidder takes away, but they can't take it all.

Firelight and a favourite song, laughter that rings among
the memories that still belong within these empty rooms.
Remember when the lights were low, log fires and misletoe
Morning sunlight on the snow. How much for this old sleigh?

Auctioneer comes here today, privacy upon display
Highest bidder takes away, but they can't take it all.

A jar of nails, a box of tacks, six dining chairs with wicker backs
out in the garden, piled in stacks, being spotted by the rain.
Auctioneer comes here today, strangers' cars that line the way
Children watch the odd display whilst their mothers watch the lots
that are numbered with the coloured tags, books in boxes, clothes in bags
Bought for learning, bought for rags, everything must go.

Auctioneer comes here today, privacy upon dusplay,
Highest bidder takes away, but they can't take it all.