“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“I Been Everywhere Man” is a classic song famously associated with Canadian musician Stompin’ Tom Connors. Known for his distinctive voice and storytelling ability, Stompin’ Tom brought this song to life with his unique blend of folk and country influences. The song is a lively and fast-paced journey through a list of cities and towns, showcasing the artist’s deep connection to the land and culture of Canada. With its catchy chorus and rapid-fire delivery, “I Been Everywhere Man” has become an enduring favorite, celebrated for its humor and energetic spirit.
About The Composition
- Title: I Been Everywhere Man
- Composer: Geoff Mack
- Premiere Date: 1959
- Album/Opus/Collection: “My Stompin’ Grounds” by Stompin’ Tom Connors
- Genre: Country, Folk
Background
“I’ve Been Everywhere” was originally written by Australian country singer Geoff Mack in 1959 and was made popular by Australian singer Lucky Starr in 1962. The song lists numerous places across Australia, although it has been adapted to include locations in other countries. The Canadian version by Stompin’ Tom Connors features Canadian towns and cities, reflecting his patriotic spirit and love for his home country. This transformation of the song highlights its universal appeal and flexibility to suit different audiences.
Musical Style
The musical style of “I Been Everywhere Man” is characterized by its upbeat tempo and rhythmic vocal delivery. The song features a repetitive chorus interspersed with rapid-fire verses that list various geographical locations. Its lively instrumentation typically includes acoustic guitar and harmonica, staying true to its country and folk roots while creating an infectious and engaging listening experience.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrical theme of “I Been Everywhere Man” revolves around the idea of travel and exploration. It captures the essence of a wanderer’s life, with the narrator boasting about the many places they have visited. The song’s humorous and light-hearted approach to storytelling, paired with its extensive list of locations, makes it both a tongue-twister and a celebration of geographic diversity.
Performance History
“I Been Everywhere Man” has been performed by numerous artists in various adaptations. Stompin’ Tom Connors’ version is particularly notable in Canada, where it has been embraced as a national favorite. The song has been performed at countless live events and continues to be a popular choice for artists looking to showcase their vocal dexterity and entertain audiences with its challenging verses.
Cultural Impact
The song’s influence extends beyond music, having appeared in films, television shows, and commercials. Its catchy and recognizable format has made it a cultural touchstone, often used to evoke themes of travel and adventure. The adaptability of the song to different countries and regions has cemented its place as a universally beloved piece of music.
Legacy
“I Been Everywhere Man” remains an important and enduring part of musical history. Its ability to connect with audiences around the world, regardless of the specific locations mentioned, speaks to its universal appeal. The song continues to inspire new generations of musicians and listeners, keeping the spirit of exploration and travel alive.
Conclusion
“I Been Everywhere Man” is a testament to the power of music to transcend borders and connect with diverse audiences. Its lively energy and clever lyrics invite listeners to embark on a journey of discovery. Whether you’re a fan of country music or simply enjoy a catchy tune, this song offers something for everyone. I encourage you to explore the different versions and adaptations of this classic piece to fully appreciate its global impact.
Video
Lyrics
This here next song is the story
about the fella that was hitchhikin′
way down in Southern Nevada.
Along came this big long truck
Loaded down with potatoes.
And the trucker put on the air brakes and
Pulled over to the side, and said
“Jump in, son.
Throw in your bag, and the one you’re carrying”.
And he said “Where all ya been, son?”
Well he said “I′ve been everywhere, man”.
And that’s the name of this one.
I was hitchhiking down along a dusty Winnemucca road
When along came this transport truck
with a high, canvas-covered load
If you’re going to Winnemucca, mack
With me you can ride
I climbed into the cab
And I settled down inside
He asked me if I′d seen a road
With so much dust and sand
I said listen bud,
I′ve travelled every road in this here land.
I’ve been everywhere man
I′ve been everywhere man
‘Cross the deserts bare man
I′ve breathed the mountain air man
Of travel I’ve done my share man
I′ve been everywhere
“Where ya been?”, he says
“Oh, let me see now, a couple of places”
I’ve been to Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota
Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, South Dakota
Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma
Tampa, Panama, Mattawa, La Paloma
Durango, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo
Tocopilla, Barranquilla and Padilla, I’m a killer
I′ve been everywhere man
I′ve ben everywhere man
‘Cross the deserts bare man
I′ve breathed the mountain air man
I’ve travelled, I′ve done my share man,
I’ve been everywhere
“Is that right?”, he says after a long pause
And I says…
Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana
Washington, Houston, Kingston, Texarkana
Monterey, Ferriday, Santa Fe, Tallapoosa
Glen Rock, Black Rock, Oskaloosa,
Tennessee, Hennessey, Chicopee, Spirit Lake
Grand Lake, Devil′s Lake, Crater Lake, for Pete’s sake.
I’ve been everywhere man
I′ve ben everywhere man
′Cross the deserts bare man
I’ve breathed the mountain air man
I′ve travelled, I’ve done my share man,
I′ve been everywhere
This truck driver turned around to me again
And said ” Look buddy, if you ain’t Hank Snow,
don′t you ever shut up?”
And I says…
Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, Omaha
New York, Newark, Costa Rica, Utah
Montreal, Springfield, Bakersfield, Shreveport
Hackensack, Cadillac, Fond Du Lac, Davenport
Idaho, Mexico, Argentina, Diamantina,
Pasadena, Catalina, see what I mean Jack!
I’ve been everywhere man
I’ve ben everywhere man
′Cross the deserts bare man
I′ve breathed the mountain air man
I’ve travelled, I′ve done my share man,
I’ve been everywhere
Now this truck driver again turned around to me
And said “Look it here buddy,
I′m kinda gettin’ sick and tired of you talkin′
about all these United States cities and towns.
I’m a Canadian truck driver and I want to here a
little bit of the North Country for a change.”
Well I said there’s always North Bay
and headin′ up into Northern Ontario
to places like
Temagami, New Liskeard, Haileybury,
Cobalt, Timmins, Ansonville, Kirkland Lake,
Cochrane, Kapuskasing, Hearst, Geraldton,
Beardmore, and the Lakehead
And headin′ from Nipigon down 17
Into Schreiber, Marathon, White River,
Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie
Headin’ eastward from the Sault on 17
To Thessalon, Blind River, Elliot Lake,
Manitoulin Island, Espanola, Sudbury,
Cache Bay, Sturgeon Falls, and back to North Bay
Headin′ down south now on Number 11 to
Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Orillia, Barrie,
Aurora, Newmarket, and even Stouffville
And another town we all know well called…
Toronto, Plattsburgh, Halliburton,
Colorado, Winnipeg, Rexburg, Vicksburg, Eldorado
Laramie, the Alamo, Chattanooga, Vancouver
Jasper, Nebraska, Alaska, Opelika,
Caribou, Waterloo, Kalamazoo, Kansas City,
Sioux City, Cedar City, Dodge City, what a pity.
I’ve been everywhere man
I′ve ben everywhere man
Cross the deserts bare man
I’ve breathed the mountain air man
I′ve travelled, I’ve done my share man,
I’ve been everywhere
Well this truck driver looked at me again
And he said
“Don′t you know nothin′ about the Maritimes at all, buddy?”
He had the audacity to ask me,
‘course you Newfoundlanders wouldn′t understand that word.
That’s a big word I learned in
Skinner′s Pond school, Prince Edward Island.
Didn’t really mean that you know,
but I had to say it, anyhow.
Yeah, he says,
“Don′t you know nothin’ about the Maritimes?
I said, “Look buddy,
I can tell by the big spuds
on the back of your rig you must be a
Spud-Picker from Prince Edward Island,
I can tell ya that much about the Maritimes.”
You must be friends
with them there Bluenosers from Nova Scotia.
And the New Brunswick Herring Chokers.
Not to metion anything, of course,
about them Squid Jiggin’ lads from over in Newfoundland.
Now the run of the towns in the Maritimes
goes like this, b′y…
There′s Moncton, Chatham, Saint John, Campbellton,
Grand Falls, Sackville, Newcastle, Fredericton,
Charlottetown, Summerside, Glace Bay, Annapolis,
Springhill, Sydney Mines, New Glasgow, Antigonish
Windsor, Truro, Gander, Bonavista,
St. John’s, Corner Brook, Port aux Basques,
and mister
I′ve been everywhere man
I’ve ben everywhere man
′Cross the deserts bare man
I’ve breathed the mountain air man
But there′s just one place I haven’t been
Tramp on the gas and roll ‘er man
Soon we′re gonna be there man
Soon we′re gonna be there