_ These are two songs written in Canada in recent years inspired by Lady Macdonald.
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_TANGLEFOOT
Agnes on the Cowcatcher Released by Borealis Records in 2002; Roll On Jamaica written by Al Parrish The words of John Macdonald were eloquent and plain To bind this land and people, our country needs a train First time I saw Agnes, she was waiting for a train Standing on the platform in the warm Jamaican rain She said "All my life it's been my dream to sit where I can see Everything that lies ahead and what's in store for me So why should I sit back and let the world's beauty pass? One day I will sit in front, look ahead at last" Chorus Roll on Jamaica, roll 'cross this land Carrying Agnes and John Roll on Jamaica, while she looks ahead The Old Man behind her dreams on The next time I saw Agnes, she was riding with John A. Through the forest, 'cross the shield, on that Jamaica train While lying in his coach in back, he dreamed twin silver threads To hold this land together. And then young Agnes said, "Why do you sit back so all you see is where we've been? Out before the engine is where I will see my dream" Chorus Next day on the cowcatcher I saw Agnes take her seat Survey the golden prairies and the foothills where they meet The blue Canadian Rockies and then the western sea She asks if John will join her, he says "Come and sit with me" With his eyes closed he paints for her the promise of his land One Dominion bonded by a pair of silver bands Chorus Last time I saw Agnes, she was riding with Sir John She was dressed in black for mourning, the tired Old Man was gone Past the factories, farms and towns, made that last slow ride Saw the people, young and old, who watched with grief and pride She sees more than scenery, as he had always known She sees his land united as Jamaica rolls them home. Chorus Chorus |
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_LADY MACDONALD’S RIDE
By: Jack Godwin A train went by the other day, the weirdest thing I’ve seen, A lady rode on the cowcatcher, as regal as a queen. Oh, she was havin’ fun, now that was plain to see Later I heard, she rode up there from the Rockies to the sea! CHORUS: When your big chance comes...TAKE IT, don’t you run away and hide Nothin’s gonna happen ‘less you...MAKE IT, you can't win unless you try. ('cause...) Just once around--then we’re gone--to life’s other side. There’s a lesson for the learnin’, in Lady Macdonald’s ride. “I’m perfectly aware of the danger, she said. But the spell of the moment is strong. Just once to court excitement, that surely can’t be wrong.” Past wildfires an' rock slides, riding there alone, Lady Macdonald saw it all, on her cowcatcher throne. CHORUS Swayin’ ‘round the mountain curves, and down the steepest grade I heard she laughed with pleasure, completely unafraid. Skirts tucked underneath her, hat down ‘round her eyes She rode into the history books on those C.P. railway ties. CHORUS Sometimes in life we get a chance at a dream that we hold dear The things that make us hesitate are worry, doubt and fear. So when your moment comes, just brush those thoughts aside And keep in mind the story, of Lady Macdonald’s ride. You just remember well the story of Lady Madonald's ride. |
