The Far End of the Road 

They said a man could strike it rich in Colorado
The streets were paved with silver and with gold
They said there’d be a fortune for the taking
Ain’t that the biggest lie they ever told?

Now, these blisters on my hands are bitter justice
For the crime of having held you in my arms
With every breath I beg my God for mercy
To comfort and to keep you safe from harm

To everything there is a season
And a time for reaping what you’ve sewn
And if there is another reason
Then we’ll find out down the far end of the road

There’s not enough stars in all the heavens
To count the times I’ve wished I’d never seen your face
But, if in your heart, you could ever dream of leaving
There’s no one in this world to take your place

Now, time may wear you down and cause you sorrow
And years may change the colour of your hair
What point is worrying about tomorrow
When it’s living in the past that got us here?

To everything there is a season
And a time for reaping what you’ve sewn
And if there is another reason
Then we’ll find out down the far end of the road

Now I’m standing here, staring down this highway
Nothing’s changed just as far as I can see
What’s left is living with the memory
Of all those things that never used to be

To everything there is a season
And a time for reaping what you’ve sewn
And if there is another reason
Then we’ll find out down the far end of the road

And if there is another reason
Then we’ll find out down the far end of the road

The Laird o’ Aberdeen

Come lads and lassies, lend an ear
And hear my cheery tale
It’s of a certain personage to you I shall regale
And how they found their sanctuary, pleasant and serene
Sae far awa’ the bonnie howes and hills o’ Aberdeen

John Hamilton-Gordon was an interesting man
Blessed at birth by fortune, both of peerage and of clan
1st Marquess o’ Aberdeen and Temair he’d be proclaimed
Of vast, distinguished lineage in preference to his name

He’d known Queen Victoria since the time he was a “wee ane”
For his grandpa was Prime Minister of all the British Isles then
And he, himself in time would enter to the House o’ Lords
With all the pomp and circumstance such dignity affords

Decked out in all his finery, such a sight you’ve never seen
In all resplendent glory as the Laird o’ Aberdeen

He sought his bride in Ishbel, a loyal friend and true
She shared his liberal tendencies and philanthropic views
Their passion for the common good inspired the deeds they’d do
Every continent they set foot in, each country they’d go through

John was then appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
He’d later serve a term as Governor General of Canada
As all the while their family grew, though weary were the miles
They carried on as best they could, enduring with a smile

And where they travelled, far and wide, they were held in high esteem
Oh, so welcomed were the Lady & the Laird o’ Aberdeen

In time they sought a haven, in a quiet and peaceful scene
So long they’d lived at such a pace and longed for life serine
In far off Western Canada lay a land of many lakes
Where Lord and Lady Aberdeen, they sought to lay down stakes

They started out at Guisachan on the Okanagan shore
But soon discovered Coldstream, which held their fancy more
Orchards on a grandiose scale they planted all around
Which, over time has grown into a neat and lovely town

Thus concludes my story, next time you’re in Coldstream
Take in the auld Lake Country charm and panoramic scenes
Enjoy their apples, peaches, cherries, pears and nectarines
While you think upon the Lady and the Laird o’ Aberdeen

Teaching Aurelia to Waltz 

It was after the turn of the century
On the banks of the Similkameen
Sweet Aurelia was coming of age
Having scarcely but entered her teens

Pioneer life, made for laboursome days
Aurelia worked hard through the week
When locals would gather on Saturday nights
Both comely and winsome was she
As she stood in a trance
And watched while the neighbours would dance

Who’ll teach Aurelia to dance?
Who’s gonna coax her to taking a chance?
When the hard day is over, and soft, the night falls
Who’ll teach Aurelia to waltz?

George Edwards, it seamed was a kindly old man
With a gentle, grandfatherly way
A “Miner”, who’s luck had been part of a plan
Was well set, or so he would say

At dances and parties, the valley about
No more welcome a guest could you find
And scarcely an old-timer hadn’t stepped out
To dance with George Edwards some time
As so many recalled
How kindly George Edwards could waltz!

Who’ll teach Aurelia to dance?
Who’s gonna coax her to taking a chance?
After the laughter, when soft music calls 
Who’ll teach Aurelia to waltz?

The years have swept by, and so much has changed
On the banks of the Similkameen
Aurelia’s features now riddled with age
But the light in her eyes is still keen

As well she remembers as though yesterday
That gentleman taking her hand
His patience and kindness, still touching her heart
As she feels like that young girl again
Every time she recalls
How kindly George Edwards could waltz!

Teaching Aurelia to dance!
Who's gonna coax her to taking that chance?
A gentle, sweet soul, with a soft Southern drawl
It was kindly George Edwards, who taught young Aurelia to waltz!