Canada's four Atlantic Provinces share a lot of music tradition, but each is distinct unto itself. Prince Edward Island, not Newfoundland, is the setting for the song. It is about Don Messer, a great fiddler who came from New Brunswick to live on PEI. He later moved to Nova Scotia but has I believe, less connection to Newfoundland. Don called his band The Islanders and PEI claimed him as a native son.