Lock Keeper lyrics

There is an extensive system of locks along the St. Lawrence Seaway. The
locks have a marvellous history. It`s a pity they couldn`t speak half the
tales they`ve been privy to. I guess it probably goes without saying that
everyone who has to travel to make a living will relate to the parallels in
this song. Stan loved the road and performing was life`s-blood, but he wanted
very badly to be the lock-keeper.]

You say, `Well-met again, Lock-keeper!
We`re laden even deeper that the time before,
Oriental oils and tea brought down from Singapore.`
As we wait for my lock to cycle
I say, `My wife has given me a son.`
`A son!` you cry, `Is that all that you`ve done?`

She wears bougainvilla blossoms.
You pluck `em from her hair and toss `em in the tide,
Sweep her in your arms and carry her inside.
Her sighs catch on your shoulder;
Her moonlit eyes grow bold and wiser through her tears
And I say, `How could you stand to leave her for a year?`

`Then come with me` you say, `to where the Southern Cross
Rides high upon your shoulder.`
`Come with me!` you cry,
`Each day you tend this lock, you`re one day older,
While your blood runs colder.`
But that anchor chain`s a fetter
And with it you are tethered to the foam,
And I wouldn`t trade your life for one hour of home.

Sure I`m stuck here on the Seaway
While you compensate for leeway through the Trades;
And you shoot the stars to see the miles you`ve made.
And you laugh at hearts you`ve riven,
But which of these has given us more love of life,
You, your tropic maids, or me, my wife.

`Then come with me` you say, `to where the Southern Cross
Rides high upon your shoulder.`
`Ah come with me!` you cry,
`Each day you tend this lock, you`re one day older,
While your blood runs colder.`
But that anchor chain`s a fetter
And with it you are tethered to the foam,
And I wouldn`t trade your life for one hour of home.
Ah your anchor chain`s a fetter
And with it you are tethered to the foam,
And I wouldn`t trade your whole life for just one hour of home