Lyr Add: Northwest Tollway (parody of NW Passage)

Subject: Lyr Add: NORTHWEST TOLLWAY (parody of NW PASSAGE)
From: GUEST,Sandy Andina
Date: 08 Feb 06 - 08:05 PM

While listening to The Village (XM 15) the other night, Stan Rogers' "Northwest Passage" came on. As I sang, my sick mind began to wander once again into parody territory. I know there have been parodies using the original title, and at least one out there called "Northeast Passage." But I had just returned from my umpteenth trip out along I-90 between Chicago and Madison (and many points between), and I knew I had to write this one. I am sure that I am probably not the first, but since I'd never heard of any by this title, it was fair game. Parallel development, the folk process, call it what you will--here it is. Feel free to sing it--just credit me with the words.

NORTHWEST TOLLWAY
Music © by Stan Rogers, lyrics © by S. Andina


CH:
Ah, for one more time I must take the Northwest Tollway
To find the land Wisconsin where I'll try and press my luck.
But to my poor mind, I would much prefer the old way
And leave the Northwest Tollway to the trucks.

1.
Westward from Lake Michigan, 'tis there 'twas said to lie
A rotten stretch of roadway where excitement goes to die
Seeking easy sailing, finding just construction zones
And a long and winding line of orange cones    CH

2.
And through the I-Pass lanes I roll, a headlong westbound rush
Past those poor unlucky bastards who are paying twice as much.
Seeing Starbucks rise before me, and McDonalds sink behind
This dazed and dozy driver who is bored out of her mind    CH

3.
And suddenly before me, in the time it takes to cough
This giant stinking semi-trailer up and cuts me off.
I'm flipping him the finger for the dirt he's done to me-
(But) I'm now too far behind for him to see.   CH

4.
How then am I so different from the ones preceding me?
Like them, I left at nine a.m., and now it's half past three.
Departing from the lakefront for to heed the highway's call,
If I'm lucky, I'll make Elgin by nightfall… CH and end

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: NW Passage Parody
From: GUEST,Ingrid Frances Stark
Date: 08 Feb 06 - 08:20 PM

Thats a hoot!

Ingrid

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: NW Passage Parody
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Feb 06 - 12:18 AM

Aye, but did ya travel it when there was nothin but Howard Johnson's at those overhead rest stops, with vending machines stocked red delicious apples from a previous decade.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: NW Passage Parody
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 09 Feb 06 - 12:18 AM

Actually at Fox Valley one night Juel made up the chorus line of: "Ah for just one dime, I could leave the Northwest Tollway..." but that was the extent of it.   This was before I-Pass.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: NW Passage Parody
From: kendall
Date: 09 Feb 06 - 03:17 PM

Good job! ...where excitment goes to die.. beautiful line.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: NW Passage Parody
From: breezy
Date: 09 Feb 06 - 03:27 PM

I was ready for a load of, but I must say, that aint too bad from the sound of it

kept to the original very well.

Brings your part of the world/area to a whole new audience.

me in St Albans England with no hope of ever getting to Wcnsn

sounds like I wouldnt want to either!!!!!

bet its a great place really.

maybe someone over here can do one for the M 25 !!??

Well done Sandy, B+

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: NW Passage Parody
From: jacqui.c
Date: 09 Feb 06 - 06:18 PM

I like this one - watch out - I'll be singing it somewhere!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: NW Passage Parody
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Feb 06 - 08:20 PM

"There are many ports" said Murphy (via Cicely Fox Smith),
And there are many passages for us to explore
Before that final passage to the farthest shore!

Sandy, you've done a good job with your parody. I'd give it a "9"!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: NW Passage Parody
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Feb 06 - 08:33 PM

Hey, I been there!! Got a friend in Elgin, and every word is true!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: NW Passage Parody
From: Den
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 09:09 AM

Very well done and funny too.