Grand Coulee Dam
Grand Coulee Dam: A Testament to American Ingenuity
Lyrics
Well, the world has seven wonders, the travelers always tell
The world has seven wonders, often mentioned by travelers.
Some gardens and some towers, I guess you know them well
Referring to various landmarks, gardens, and towers that are well-known.
But the greatest wonder is in Uncle Sam's fair land
The greatest wonder is in the United States, specifically Uncle Sam's land.
It's that King Columbia River and the big Grand Coulee Dam
The wonder is the King Columbia River and the Grand Coulee Dam.
She heads up the Canadian Rockies where the rippling waters glide
Describing the path of the river from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Ocean.
Comes a-rumbling down the canyon to meet that salty tide
The river rushes down the canyon to meet the ocean.
Of the wide Pacific Ocean where the sun sets in the west
Reference to the wide Pacific Ocean and the location of the Grand Coulee Dam.
And the big Grand Coulee country in the land I love the best
Expressing love for the Grand Coulee country.
In the misty crystal glitter of that wild and windward spray
Depicting the misty, glittering spray created by the river's turbulence.
Men have fought the pounding waters and met a watery grave
Mentioning the dangers faced by men who fought the river and drowned.
Well, she tore their boats to splinters but she gave men dreams to dream
Despite the danger, the river inspired dreams in those who faced it.
Of the day the Coulee Dam would cross that wild and wasted stream
Dreams of building the Coulee Dam to overcome the challenges of the river.
Uncle Sam took up the challenge in the year of Thirty three
Uncle Sam takes on the challenge of building the dam in 1933.
For the farmer and the factory and all of you and me
Highlighting that the dam's purpose is to benefit farmers, factories, and the general population.
He said, "Roll along Columbia. You can ramble to the sea
Directing the Columbia River to contribute to the nation's development.
But river while you're ramblin' you can do some work for me"
Requesting the river to work for the nation while it flows.
Now in Washington and Oregon you hear the factories hum
Indicating industrial activity in Washington and Oregon supported by the dam.
Making chrome and making manganese and light aluminum
Listing the production of chrome, manganese, and light aluminum in the factories.
And there roars a mighty furnace now to fight for Uncle Sam
Describing the powerful impact of the dam on the region.
Spawned upon the King Columbia by the big Grand Coulee Dam
Stating that the dam's influence originates from the King Columbia River.
In the misty crystal glitter of that wild and windward spray
Reiteration of the misty, glittering spray and the dangers faced by men.
Men have fought the pounding waters and met a watery grave
Reemphasizing the struggles of those who fought the river and perished.
Well, she tore their boats to splinters but she gave men dreams to dream
Despite the challenges, the river inspired dreams of building the Coulee Dam.
Of the day the Coulee Dam would cross that wild and wasted stream
Reiterating the dream of overcoming the wild and wasted stream through the Coulee Dam.
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