ROLL ON JAMAICA
(written by Al Parrish)


The words of John MacDonald were eloquent and plain
To bind this land and people, our country needs a train

First time I saw Agnes, she was waiting for a train
Standing on the platform in the warm Jamaican rain
She said "All my life it's been my dream to sit where I can see
Everything that lies ahead and what's in store for me
So why should I sit back and let the world's beauty pass?
One day I will sit in front, look ahead at last"

Chorus

Roll on Jamaica, roll 'cross this land
Carrying Agnes and John
Roll on Jamaica, while she looks ahead
The Old Man behind her dreams on

The next time I saw Agnes, she was riding with John A.
Through the forest, 'cross the shield, on that Jamaica train
While lying in his coach in back, he dreamed twin silver threads
To hold this land together. And then young Agnes said,
"Why do you sit back so all you see is where we've been?
Out before the engine is where I will see my dream"

Chorus

Next day on the cowcatcher I saw Agnes take her seat
Survey the golden prairies and the foothills where they meet
The blue Canadian Rockies and then the western sea
She asks if John will join her, he says "Come and sit with me"
With his eyes closed he paints for her the promise of his land
One Dominion bonded by a pair of silver bands

Chorus

Last time I saw Agnes, she was riding with Sir John
She was dressed in black for mourning, the tired Old Man was gone
Past the factories, farms and towns, made that last slow ride
Saw the people, young and old, who watched with grief and pride
She sees more than scenery, as he had always known
She sees his land united as Jamaica rolls them home.

Chorus
Chorus



The song is Roll on Jamaica and the tune is Agnes on the Cowcatcher