I always figured it was a song about a Canadian road musician with a knowledge of history.

And yes, a great song. I like the 5th verse, but can't imagine singing it live. The song is long enough for an acapella, though perfect as is. It would work for inclusion on a soundtrack for sure. Good instincts production-wise and arrangement-wise on the 4 verse version (though 3 verses is usually considered classic, non?)