Lyr Add: The Island (Kenzie MacNeil)

Subject: Cape Breton
From: GUEST,Alex
Date: 19 May 00 - 01:49 AM

I'm looking for the rest of the lyrics to the song:

We are an island, a rock in the stream as proud a people as ever there's been through soft summer breeze and through wild winter rain the home of our hearts, Cape Breton.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cape Breton
From: honestfrankie
Date: 19 May 00 - 12:27 PM

I think the song is done by the Barra McNeils and by Kenzie McNeil on a Maritime compilation disc.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cape Breton
From:
Date: 19 May 00 - 05:48 PM

There are words to the song, which is Kenzie MacNeil's The Island, to be found at

http://www.panther.net/FAQ/celtic-culture

Subject: Lyr Add: THE ISLAND (Kenzie MacNeil)
From:
Date: 17 Feb 02 - 02:51 PM

Here's another popular Cape Breton song, sung by the Barra MacNeils among many others.

The Island
Kenzie MacNeil
The premier of Nova Scotia, in 1985, proclaimed this the official anthem of Cape Breton
 
Over an ocean and over a sea
Beyond these great waters, oh what do I see?
I see the great mountains rise from the coastline
The hills of Cape Breton, this new home of mine
Oh, we come from the countries all over the world
To hack at the forest, to plow the land down
Fishermen, farmers and sailors all come
To clear for the future this pioneer ground
 
Chorus
We are an island, a rock in a stream
We are a people, as proud as there's been
In soft summer breeze or in wild winter wind
The home of my heart - Cape Breton
 
Over the rooftops and over the trees
Within these new townships, oh what do I see?
I see the black pit-head,
The coal wheels are turning,
The smoke-stacks are belching
And the blast furnace burning
Oh, the sweat on the back is no joy to behold
In the heat of the steelplant or mining the coal
And the foreign-owned companies force us to fight
For our survival and for our rights
 
Over the highways and over the roads
Over the causeway, stories are told
They tell of the coming and the going away
The cities of America draw me away
The companies come and the companies go
And the ways of the world we may never know
But we'll follow the footsteps of those on their way
And ask for the right to leave or to stay

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Island - Cape Breton
From: The Pooka
Date: 17 Feb 02 - 03:20 PM

Yer makem ME wanna come back now. 3 visits so far. Cabot Trail circuit in an old Dodge wagon with bad tires. Terrifying. Need more. It's time. I'll drag Tommy up with me. Get to know him. Teach him some songs. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA I'm killen me here....

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Island - Cape Breton
From:
Date: 17 Feb 02 - 04:10 PM

I'll have to dig out the Waters of Iona then.

You know that Legend of Kelly's Mountain and Ghost of Bras d'Or are both in the DT's and Forum.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Island - Cape Breton
From: The Pooka
Date: 17 Feb 02 - 04:18 PM

It is true that I did not. Thanks!!