For those who missed the performance at ONE WORLD: The Atlas Affair — or for those who just want to re-live the moment — here are the lyrics for the Gabriola edition of “I’ve Been Everywhere” — crafted specially for the event by Chris Straw. Enormous thanks to the most-wonderful Shelagh Rogers and Gary Holmes, and the GAC Board Back-up Band, for being willing to play along. More photos of the party to come.
I’ve Been Everywhere, Man
Original lyrics by Hank Snow. Gabriola lyrics Chris Straw
I was totin’ my pack along a dusty Gabriola road
When along came a semi with a high and canvas covered load
“If you’re going to the South end, Mack, with me you can ride”
So I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside
He asked me if I’d seen a road with so much dust and sand
And I said, “Listen, bud I’ve traveled every road in this here land”
CHORUS
I’ve been everywhere, man
I’ve been everywhere, man
I’ve crossed the deserts bare, man
I’ve breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I’ve had my share, man
I’ve been everywhere
I’ve been to:
Whalebone, Drumbeg, Sandwell, Orlebar,
Brickyard, Descanso, Spring Beach, Lockinvar,
Taylor Bay, Pilot Bay, Silva Bay, Horseshoe Way,
El Verano, Cresta Roca, Berry Point, Daniel Way,
Wild Cherry, Upper Berry, Buttercup, Bluewater,
Red Wood, Pine Wood, Dog Wood — I’m getting good!
CHORUS
McConvey, McDonald, McGilvary, McClay Way
Ross Way, Coats Marsh, Dragons Lane, Elder Cedar,
Pequod , Quequeg, Spermwhale, Sea Urchin,
Moby Dick, Windecker, Captain Ahab, Seawind,
Jolly Brothers, Jolly Close, Barret Road, Wild Rose,
Hoggan Lake, Phase Four, Lock Bay, Malaspina.
CHORUS
Old Crow, Wood Fire, Raven Feed, Mad Ronas,
Surf Pub, Skol Pub, Roberts Place for Good Grub,
Arbutus, Co-op, Credit Union, Gabe Shop,
Giro, Village Foods, Colleen’s, Wooden Hanger,
Drug Store, Wishbone, Gord’s Meats, Garden Centre,
Liquor Store, Liquor Store, Liquor Store, Liquor Store.
CHORUS
(What about Nanaimo?)
Port Place, Thrifty’s, Costco, London Drugs,
North Town, Town Centre, Wood Grove, Country Club,
Value Village, Sally Ann, Re Store, Home Depot,
Dollar Store, Dollar Tree, Dollar Giant, Looneyrama,
North Nanaimo, South Nanaimo, Harewood — kinda scary
Gotta make a beeline if were gonna catch the ferry!
I’ve been everywhere, man
I’ve been everywhere, man
I’ve crossed the deserts bare, man
I’ve breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I’ve had my share, man
I’ve been everywhere
absolutely awesome!