Rita MacNeil was a Canadian singer-songwriter whose huge soul accompanied her large body.  She spoke to me in songs such as “Working Man” and “Home I’ll Be”.

One of her compositions has especially resonated within me for decades.  It speaks of something that won’t make sense for many young people: staying at home.

Yes, there is joy in getting out there in the world and seeing what’s there.  In wondering what’s around that corner.  Exploring.  Perhaps being “a stranger in a strange land” … not knowing where to go or how to be.

Rita sings about Cape Breton Island, on Canada’s Atlantic coast.  So many of her friends headed to the bright lights of Toronto, seeking more.

And I’ve seen you at the station
With your arms outstretched and waiting
To welcome home the travellers
Who went searching after dreams

And they never fail to mention
How your life’s been one dimension
And you smile at good intentions
Knowing well they’ll never see

Rita stayed.  Generations of Islanders spread before her.  Yes, she sang concerts in big cities but she still lived in Big Pond on Cape Breton.  She knew her friends and neighbours.

And you never left the old ties
When the changing winds came by
You walked beside the old mill
Turned your eyes upon the green hills

I have wandered from Canada to Belgium.  Gent is now home.  It’s no longer London, Ontario.  Rita and I are not the same.

Although I’ve chosen roaming, I deeply respect Rita’s choice to stay.

In the heart that never wanders
Lies a peace that comes with morning
It’s knowing when the day is done
You’ve realized your dreams

***

It’s time to sing again

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=hFp9KZV_3LE&si=2okdZyc0z2kxviVU