Northwest Passage
Exploring the Uncharted: A Journey Through the Northwest Passage
Lyrics
Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage
The speaker expresses a desire to explore the Northwest Passage at least once.
To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea
Refers to the legendary Franklin's exploration, symbolized by his hand reaching for the Beaufort Sea.
Tracing one warm line through a land so wild and savage
Describes the idea of navigating through a rugged and untamed land with a warm line, possibly a route.
And make a Northwest Passage to the sea
The ultimate goal is to create a passage connecting to the sea.
Westward from the Davis Strait 'tis there 'twas said to lie
Mentions the Davis Strait as the starting point of the Northwest Passage and the belief in an Orient sea route.
The sea route to the Orient for which so many died
Highlights the historical pursuit of this route, marked by significant human sacrifices.
Seeking gold and glory, leaving weathered, broken bones
People sought wealth and fame, enduring hardships, leaving behind their broken remains.
And a long-forgotten lonely cairn of stones
Refers to a forgotten memorial of stones, indicating the transitory nature of human endeavors.
Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage
Reiterates the speaker's wish to experience the Northwest Passage and discover Franklin's legacy.
To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea
Recalls the imagery of Franklin's hand reaching towards the Beaufort Sea.
Tracing one warm line through a land so wild and savage
Repeats the concept of navigating through a wild and savage land with a warm line.
And make a Northwest Passage to the sea
Emphasizes the aspiration to create a viable Northwest Passage to the sea.
Three centuries thereafter, I take passage overland
Shifts to the speaker's personal journey centuries later, traveling overland in the footsteps of the explorer Kelsey.
In the footsteps of brave Kelsey, where his Sea of Flowers began
References the "Sea of Flowers" associated with Kelsey's exploration.
Watching cities rise before me, then behind me sink again
Observes the rise and fall of cities, symbolizing the passage of time and changing landscapes.
This tardiest explorer, driving hard across the plain
Describes the speaker as a latecomer, determinedly advancing across the plains.
Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage
Expresses the ongoing desire to find the Northwest Passage and follow Franklin's path.
To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea
Reiterates the symbolic pursuit of Franklin's hand reaching for the Beaufort Sea.
Tracing one warm line through a land so wild and savage
Repeats the idea of tracing a warm line through a wild and savage land to reach the sea.
And make a Northwest Passage to the sea
Restates the overarching goal of creating a Northwest Passage to the sea.
And through the night, behind the wheel, the mileage clicking west
Reflects on the journey at night, mentioning historical figures like Mackenzie and Thompson who paved the way.
I think upon Mackenzie, David Thompson and the rest
Recalls the efforts of explorers who found paths through mountainous terrain.
Who cracked the mountain ramparts and did show a path for me
Acknowledges the contributions of those who opened routes, specifically the Fraser River.
To race the roaring Fraser to the sea
Expresses the speaker's intention to race along the Fraser River to reach the sea.
Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage
Reiterates the longing to take the Northwest Passage, emphasizing Franklin's role.
To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea
Brings back the imagery of Franklin's hand reaching towards the Beaufort Sea.
Tracing one warm line through a land so wild and savage
Repeats the concept of tracing a warm line through a wild land to create the Northwest Passage.
And make a Northwest Passage to the sea
Restates the overarching goal of making a Northwest Passage to the sea.
How then am I so different from the first men through this way?
Raises the question of the speaker's uniqueness compared to the first explorers through this route.
Like them, I left a settled life, I threw it all away
Compares the speaker's choice to leave a settled life with the decisions of the original explorers.
To seek a Northwest Passage at the call of many men
Justifies the speaker's pursuit of the Northwest Passage, driven by the call of many men.
To find there but the road back home again
Acknowledges the possibility of finding only the road back home after the quest.
Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage
Reiterates the enduring desire to take the Northwest Passage and discover Franklin's legacy.
To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea
Recalls the imagery of Franklin's hand reaching towards the Beaufort Sea.
Tracing one warm line through a land so wild and savage
Repeats the idea of tracing a warm line through a wild and savage land to reach the sea.
And make a Northwest Passage to the sea
Restates the overarching goal of creating a Northwest Passage to the sea.
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