The Band — Acadian Driftwood
Album: Northern Lights – Southern CrossAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 909
Length: 6:33
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The war was over and the spirit was broken
The hills were smokin' as the men withdrew
We stood on the cliffs
Oh, and watched the ships
Slowly sinking to their rendezvous
They signed a treaty and our homes were taken
Loved ones forsaken
They didn't give a damn
Try'n' to raise a family
End up the enemy
Over what went down on the plains of Abraham
Acadian driftwood
Gypsy tail wind
They call my home the land of snow
Canadian cold front movin' in
What a way to ride
Oh, what a way to go
Then some returned to the motherland
The high command had them cast away
And some stayed on to finish what they started
They never parted
They're just built that way
We had kin livin' south of the border
They're a little older and they've been around
They wrote a letter life is a whole lot better
So pull up your stakes, children and come on down
Fifteen under zero when the day became a threat
My clothes were wet and I was drenched to the bone
Been out ice fishing, too much repetition
Make a man wanna leave the only home he's known
Sailed out of the gulf headin' for Saint Pierre
Nothin' to declare
All we had was gone
Broke down along the coast
But what hurt the most
When the people there said
"You better keep movin' on"
Everlasting summer filled with ill-content
This government had us walkin' in chains
This isn't my turf
This ain't my season
Can't think of one good reason to remain
We worked in the sugar fields up from New Orleans
It was ever green up until the floods
You could call it an omen
Points ya where you're goin'
Set my compass north
I got winter in my blood
Acadian driftwood
Gypsy tail wind
They call my home the land of snow
Canadian cold front movin' in
What a way to ride
Ah, what a way to go
The hills were smokin' as the men withdrew
We stood on the cliffs
Oh, and watched the ships
Slowly sinking to their rendezvous
They signed a treaty and our homes were taken
Loved ones forsaken
They didn't give a damn
Try'n' to raise a family
End up the enemy
Over what went down on the plains of Abraham
Acadian driftwood
Gypsy tail wind
They call my home the land of snow
Canadian cold front movin' in
What a way to ride
Oh, what a way to go
Then some returned to the motherland
The high command had them cast away
And some stayed on to finish what they started
They never parted
They're just built that way
We had kin livin' south of the border
They're a little older and they've been around
They wrote a letter life is a whole lot better
So pull up your stakes, children and come on down
Fifteen under zero when the day became a threat
My clothes were wet and I was drenched to the bone
Been out ice fishing, too much repetition
Make a man wanna leave the only home he's known
Sailed out of the gulf headin' for Saint Pierre
Nothin' to declare
All we had was gone
Broke down along the coast
But what hurt the most
When the people there said
"You better keep movin' on"
Everlasting summer filled with ill-content
This government had us walkin' in chains
This isn't my turf
This ain't my season
Can't think of one good reason to remain
We worked in the sugar fields up from New Orleans
It was ever green up until the floods
You could call it an omen
Points ya where you're goin'
Set my compass north
I got winter in my blood
Acadian driftwood
Gypsy tail wind
They call my home the land of snow
Canadian cold front movin' in
What a way to ride
Ah, what a way to go
Comments (76)add comment
Grammarcop wrote:
Specifically, this song isn’t referencing the American Civil War, but the British Expulsion of the Acadians about a century earlier:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
Kiwiabel:
My original comment was intended to contrast this song to another song by The Band: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. I assumed that people would get the reference. I am sorry that I was not specific enough.
If you recall, the vast majority the the members of The Band are Canadians, but their song did justice to an American conflict. Some say it's the best pop song ever about the American Civil War, not that there are many contenders in that category. Yes, Acadian Driftwood is a Canadian story, but I am pointing out that the voice of Levon Helm--the lone band member from Arkansas--brings a soulful depth to it.
I have traveled through Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI extensively. I am quite familiar with the injustice done to the Acadian people.
And I, too, have winter in my blood.
Best wishes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
Explained in word and music - some of the core roots of “Americana” music, from Canadians - and Levon.
What a beautifully sad story song.
The story of Acadians put to music.
Robbie, what a songsmith he was.
The story of Acadians put to music.
Robbie, what a songsmith he was.
Beautiful song… Thank You.
Lots of great Canadian references lately Bill.
Any thoughts about “Canadian Paradise “?
Lots of great Canadian references lately Bill.
Any thoughts about “Canadian Paradise “?
MusiqueMusique wrote:
Yeah. Their music sounds better and better as it ages. They are the musicians’ musicians. The original Americana rock perhaps.
Great song ! First listen tonight 40 years after the fact.
Guess I wasn't paying attention back then...
Didn't know one of The Band's member was Acadien.
A song about massive ethnic cleansing in Canada and buddy down in Nevada thinks it's about ice fishing. Too funny !
Yeah. Their music sounds better and better as it ages. They are the musicians’ musicians. The original Americana rock perhaps.
I think this is one of the Band's finest songs. Richard's vocals can break your heart.
I have never heard this before, wow. Btw, some of the Acadiens went to the French colonies for a time-a branch of my family did.
Such great music! I miss The Band but all things must pass, at least we have their legacy of wonderful tunes!
MusiqueMusique wrote:
Agreed! Evangeline and all that. Just curious: which member of The Band is Acadien?
Great song ! First listen tonight 40 years after the fact.
Guess I wasn't paying attention back then...
Didn't know one of The Band's member was Acadien.
A song about massive ethnic cleansing in Canada and buddy down in Nevada thinks it's about ice fishing. Too funny !
Guess I wasn't paying attention back then...
Didn't know one of The Band's member was Acadien.
A song about massive ethnic cleansing in Canada and buddy down in Nevada thinks it's about ice fishing. Too funny !
Agreed! Evangeline and all that. Just curious: which member of The Band is Acadien?
grahamdillabough wrote:
I just heard Robbie R. doing an interview about the new doc film on the Band, and he said how pleased he was that they managed to pull this very good album together at a very difficult time for the group. Guess it's kind of their Abbey Road.
This song is some good! The whole album, as a matter of fact. Not a bad song on it.
I'm going to elevate it to a 10. Desert Island material for me.
I'm going to elevate it to a 10. Desert Island material for me.
I just heard Robbie R. doing an interview about the new doc film on the Band, and he said how pleased he was that they managed to pull this very good album together at a very difficult time for the group. Guess it's kind of their Abbey Road.
This song is some good! The whole album, as a matter of fact. Not a bad song on it.
I'm going to elevate it to a 10. Desert Island material for me.
I'm going to elevate it to a 10. Desert Island material for me.
hempmandan wrote:
Or with the three vocalists on this nice tune, Richard, Levon and Rick.
Great readers of Robbie's lyrics.
Don't fuck with the Band...Robbie Robertson
Or with the three vocalists on this nice tune, Richard, Levon and Rick.
Great readers of Robbie's lyrics.
wow. this is awful.
Don't fuck with the Band...Robbie Robertson
Great song ! First listen tonight 40 years after the fact.
Guess I wasn't paying attention back then...
Didn't know one of The Band's member was Acadien.
A song about massive ethnic cleansing in Canada and buddy down in Nevada thinks it's about ice fishing. Too funny !
Guess I wasn't paying attention back then...
Didn't know one of The Band's member was Acadien.
A song about massive ethnic cleansing in Canada and buddy down in Nevada thinks it's about ice fishing. Too funny !
I don't understand why this album has been dissed as much as it has. There isn't a song on this LP that I don't like.
One of my 'desert island' selections.
One of my 'desert island' selections.
Supreme song from an excellent album!
As many have decided to criticize this song, the majority of folks seem to like it more than not.....
As many have decided to criticize this song, the majority of folks seem to like it more than not.....
Beautiful and soulful.. Thanks for playing!
Moak wrote:
Brutal.
That's good, we got three assholes out of the way in one neat package.
Brutal.
hschlossberg wrote:
Ha!. And I just did the same thing, as well! Here's to consistency!!!
That's good, we got three assholes out of the way in one neat package.
Ha!. And I just did the same thing, as well! Here's to consistency!!!
That's good, we got three assholes out of the way in one neat package.
What? Lyrics about "too much repitition from ice fishin" or something like that. You've gotta be kidding! PSD for me.
jozooka wrote:
Ha!. And I just did the same thing, as well! Here's to consistency!!!
I just did the exact same thing.
Rotterdam wrote:
Rotterdam wrote:
A least I'm consistent. Was going to give it a 1, and I see that I had already done this some time ago. Eeeuw.
Ha!. And I just did the same thing, as well! Here's to consistency!!!
Love this song and album. It was possibly one of my first album purchases ... influenced, of course, by my brother's musical tastes.
h8rhater wrote:
Enjoy your nacho cheese sauce and Slim Jim along with your Men At Work.
Enjoy your nacho cheese sauce and Slim Jim along with your Men At Work.
I just did the exact same thing.
Rotterdam wrote:
Rotterdam wrote:
A least I'm consistent. Was going to give it a 1, and I see that I had already done this some time ago. Eeeuw.
Athyrius wrote:
Gazraman wrote:
Weeping for the teachers who tried to give you some idea of the events that shaped post-colonial North American history. Perfectly legitimate to detest the song, willfully ignorant to suggest the narrative is shallow.
As RP descends into "HonkyTonk" status. Some "oldies" aren't so golden, this is one of em.
Gazraman wrote:
It's hard for me to put into words how much I detest this song. they call my home the land of snow? FFS
Weeping for the teachers who tried to give you some idea of the events that shaped post-colonial North American history. Perfectly legitimate to detest the song, willfully ignorant to suggest the narrative is shallow.
It's so sad to see so many people put themselves in a box of limited time and space. This is Americana music at it finest. Beethoven, Duke Ellington, Miles, etc. didn't become irrelevant because of age or time.
My favorite song by The Band. Thanks RP!!
It ain't Honky Tonk. A music critic you're not.
As RP descends into "HonkyTonk" status. Some "oldies" aren't so golden, this is one of em.
It's hard for me to put into words how much I detest this song. they call my home the land of snow? FFS
A 6.6 rating? Seriously???
Krakus wrote:
Enjoy your nacho cheese sauce and Slim Jim along with your Men At Work.
...and then I went to pick up a six pack from a Kwiki Mart...please make it STOP!
Enjoy your nacho cheese sauce and Slim Jim along with your Men At Work.
Up from 9 to 10. This song is a masterpiece that gets better with each listen.
Miss you Helm & Danko
God I hate those flutes
Grammarcop wrote:
Just like it took a bunch of Canadians to perform one of the best songs about the American Civil War, it takes a guy from Arkansas to add soulful depth to this Canadian story.
Well, started as a Canadian story - but ended up defining the origins of European culture in Southwest Louisiana. Some guy wrote a poem about it. hayduke2 wrote:
I have seen the Last Waltz over 100 times and never tire of it. Scorcese has done his share of great rock documentaries...Stones, Dylan, Harrison..
I like this one, wanna see The Last Waltz now
I have seen the Last Waltz over 100 times and never tire of it. Scorcese has done his share of great rock documentaries...Stones, Dylan, Harrison..
Agreed.
shellbella wrote:
shellbella wrote:
My favorite Band song... 
Kiwiabel:
My original comment was intended to contrast this song to another song by The Band: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. I assumed that people would get the reference. I am sorry that I was not specific enough.
If you recall, the vast majority the the members of The Band are Canadians, but their song did justice to an American conflict. Some say it's the best pop song ever about the American Civil War, not that there are many contenders in that category. Yes, Acadian Driftwood is a Canadian story, but I am pointing out that the voice of Levon Helm--the lone band member from Arkansas--brings a soulful depth to it.
I have traveled through Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI extensively. I am quite familiar with the injustice done to the Acadian people.
And I, too, have winter in my blood.
Best wishes.
My original comment was intended to contrast this song to another song by The Band: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. I assumed that people would get the reference. I am sorry that I was not specific enough.
If you recall, the vast majority the the members of The Band are Canadians, but their song did justice to an American conflict. Some say it's the best pop song ever about the American Civil War, not that there are many contenders in that category. Yes, Acadian Driftwood is a Canadian story, but I am pointing out that the voice of Levon Helm--the lone band member from Arkansas--brings a soulful depth to it.
I have traveled through Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI extensively. I am quite familiar with the injustice done to the Acadian people.
And I, too, have winter in my blood.
Best wishes.
...and then I went to pick up a six pack from a Kwiki Mart...please make it STOP!
Grammarcop wrote:
Just like it took a bunch of Canadians to perform one of the best songs about the American Civil War, it takes a guy from Arkansas to add soulful depth to this Canadian story.
Its not a song about the American Civil War - its about the forced relocation of French Canadians during colonial wars between the British and French in the Province of Acadia.
Its not a song about the American Civil War - its about the forced relocation of French Canadians during colonial wars between the British and French in the Province of Acadia.
shellbella wrote:
Yes shellbella those are also my favorite lesser-known songs by The Band as well -- and I'm also a big fan of The Weight (no matter how many times it gets played on commercial radio.)
This my favorite song by The Band.. This one and It Makes No Difference
Yes shellbella those are also my favorite lesser-known songs by The Band as well -- and I'm also a big fan of The Weight (no matter how many times it gets played on commercial radio.)
Just like it took a bunch of Canadians to perform one of the best songs about the American Civil War, it takes a guy from Arkansas to add soulful depth to this Canadian story.
As a rule I’m not huge on The Band but I did enjoy this song very much.
A least I'm consistent. Was going to give it a 1, and I see that I had already done this some time ago. Eeeuw.
midreaming wrote:
No doubt Dylan was the break that opened the door for them. Their talent did the rest. I've always had a soft spot for The Band, and consider The Last Waltz one of the best musical shows ever produced on film.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
idiot_wind wrote:
Saw the Last Waltz a few weeks ago on Paladia cable channel.
My god...what a show.
How they ever got all those bands to play a song or two...
they were a great band w/ lots of friends but most of the currency that drew that lineup came from backing Dylan on the tour he went electric very likely,and i'm sure i'll hear all about it, there was more to it than that. but it added no doubt My god...what a show.
How they ever got all those bands to play a song or two...
No doubt Dylan was the break that opened the door for them. Their talent did the rest. I've always had a soft spot for The Band, and consider The Last Waltz one of the best musical shows ever produced on film.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
This my favorite song by The Band.. This one and It Makes No Difference
idiot_wind wrote:
Saw the Last Waltz a few weeks ago on Paladia cable channel.
My god...what a show.
How they ever got all those bands to play a song or two...
they were a great band w/ lots of friends but most of the currency that drew that lineup came from backing Dylan on the tour he went electric very likely,and i'm sure i'll hear all about it, there was more to it than that. but it added no doubt My god...what a show.
How they ever got all those bands to play a song or two...
Saw the Last Waltz a few weeks ago on Paladia cable channel.
My god...what a show.
How they ever got all those bands to play a song or two...
My god...what a show.
How they ever got all those bands to play a song or two...
First time I have heard this. What joy!
My favorite Band song...
Great stuff
THE BAND
shellbella wrote:
.....and Rick....and Richard. Man did this outfit have some voices!
RIP Levon
.....and Rick....and Richard. Man did this outfit have some voices!
Genius of a song from one of the more under-rated bands in the modern history of music.
The lyrics, harmonies and instruments of this song come together and just sound oh-so sweet...!!
The lyrics, harmonies and instruments of this song come together and just sound oh-so sweet...!!
hayduke2 wrote:
Yeah, it about time for me to pop that in the DVD player again too! Great Movie and Band !!
I like this one, wanna see The Last Waltz now
Yeah, it about time for me to pop that in the DVD player again too! Great Movie and Band !!
Nice!
Makes me think of the Jersey Shore parody by 22 Minutes, "Acadie Shore" https://youtu.be/2K2zf-nDgPw
I love this band
RIP Levon
Sooooooooooo good. When those harmonies kick in. I love The Band.
R.P. is on a roll this morning.
R.P. is on a roll this morning.
I like this one, wanna see The Last Waltz now
Thank you RADIO PARADISE 
Quite Good !
Wow, blast from the past...I use to listen to this all the time :)
It would be worth trying to dig out the cover version by Phil Beer in the UK.
This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear this morning! 
I love the Band, but this song sucks
Perfect for a cold rainy day... Well, perfect any day....
1st I thought, only 4 comments?!then I realized ...
it took 31 years to make the playlist?!A Canadian cold front... From the department of redundancy department.
Some of my favourite Canadians! Playing only a day after National Flag Day here in Canuck land.
Oh, I always loved this song. Haven't heard it in ages.
Fun to hear this again!
Oh yeah, and GREAT musicians!