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Introduction
There’s something magical about a song that can transport you to another time and place, and Hank Snow’s Canadian Pacific does just that. It’s not just a song—it’s a journey, a love letter to the vast landscapes of Canada, and a heartfelt ode to the freedom of the open rails. If you’ve ever felt the pull of wanderlust or the bittersweet ache of leaving something behind to chase a dream, this song will resonate with you on a deeply personal level.
Released in 1969, Canadian Pacific captures the essence of Hank Snow’s storytelling genius. Known as “The Singing Ranger,” Snow had a knack for painting vivid pictures with his lyrics, and this track is no exception. The song follows the narrator as he travels across Canada on the iconic Canadian Pacific Railway, weaving through the country’s breathtaking scenery while longing to reunite with a lost love. It’s a tale of movement and stillness, of longing and hope, all wrapped up in Snow’s smooth, unmistakable voice.
What makes Canadian Pacific so special is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia, even if you’ve never set foot on a train. The imagery is so rich that you can almost hear the rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the tracks, feel the cool mountain air, and see the endless stretches of wilderness outside the window. It’s a song that celebrates the beauty of Canada while also tapping into universal themes of love, distance, and the human desire to connect.
Musically, the song is classic Hank Snow—simple yet powerful. The gentle strumming of the guitar and the steady rhythm mirror the motion of a train, creating a sense of forward momentum that perfectly complements the lyrics. Snow’s voice, warm and full of emotion, carries the weight of the story, making you feel every mile of the journey.
But Canadian Pacific isn’t just about the journey; it’s about what lies at the end of the line. It’s a reminder that no matter how far we travel, our hearts are always drawn to the people and places that feel like home. And isn’t that something we can all relate to?
Video
Lyrics
I rode your ocean liner to Newfoundland,
Where I made a living in an iron mine.
When I got my fill I went to Nova Scotia,
And I fished the salty waters for a time.
Passing through Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick,
I could see the rocks and cliffs of solid stone.
Listening to the seagulls calling to each other
Made me miss my darling and my distant home.
Canadian Pacific, carry me three thousand miles,
Through the valleys and the forests,
To the sunshine of her smile,
‘Cross the plains and the rugged mountains,
Keep this wandering boy from harm.
Canadian Pacific, take me to my baby’s arms.
The Atlantic disappeared on the horizon,
And Quebec lay waiting for me down the track.
For a while I drove a truck to keep from star-ving.
In Ontario I was a lumber-jack.
Man-itoba and Saskatchewan then followed,
Where the wheat fields and the old Red River flowed.
In the quiet hours your whistling on the prairie,
Touched my heart and set my memories aglow.
I could feel the nearness of her warm, sweet kisses,
When you rolled into Alberta westward bound.
I worked on an oil rig to make some money,
For a ticket to the sweetest girl around.
Pushing on past Lake Louise in all it’s splendor,
Where the trees and Rockies touch the sky above,
I got to British Columbia and heaven,
On your track I made it back to my true love.
Canadian Pacific, carry me three thousand miles,
Through the valleys and the forests,
To the sunshine of her smile.
‘Cross the plains and the rugged mountains,
Keep this wandering boy from harm.
Canadian Pacific, take me to my baby’s arms.