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Many Miles to Go

from Fields of Dreams and Glory by Dan McKinnon

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about

It took the Canadian government 55 years to recognize the men who served in the much-maligned Merchant Navy from 1937 to 1945 as true veterans of World War II. This tribute is a composite of some of their stories.

lyrics

Many Miles to Go


In ‘41 I watched my brother marching out the door
The fighting raged for nearly two years then
I fought as well to gain an ear that I could do my share
But at fifteen years I still was not a man
So one morning as I left for school I kissed my mom goodbye
I’d heard there was a ship that needed men
I told them I was seventeen just looked small for my age
Then I took my place as Peggy with the crew

CHORUS: And the war raged on as we headed out to sea
Courage filled our hearts and fear our souls
We put on steam as we watched the shore decline
And the old man said we’ve many miles to go
And the old man said we’ve many miles to go

We’re on our way to London we have fifty ships in line
And the bitter autumn winds begin to blow
I was heading for the fo’c’sle as the sun was going down
When I glimpsed a movement off our starboard bow
A blinding flash, no air, I cannot breathe
There are stars before my eyes, I cannot see
They’ve called all hands, got to shake these stars away
Then it’s boats away and overboard for me

CHORUS: And the war raged on...

I swam for near ten minutes when they pulled me from the brine
Just in time to watch our ship go down
We combed the sea for others only two more could we find
When we caught our breath we found we were alone
Scotty fell, then Harris, they just couldn’t stay awake
Oh Christ, if you’ve got ears then hear our pleas
We’re twelve days in a lifeboat and our hope is almost gone
Then a ship we sighted daring not to breathe

CHORUS: And the war raged on...

Now I served the merchant navy till the last days of the war
After that I stayed at sea she was my home
There are times I sit in wonder, was it worth the price we paid?
We had our jobs to do, we did them well
Some called us mercenaries, it still brings my blood to boil
We gave our lives and then we gave our souls
Now the final battle’s waging and we’re running out of time
And the old men say we’ve many miles to go

CHORUS: And the war raged on...
And the old men say we’ve many miles to go


© Dan McKinnon

credits

from Fields of Dreams and Glory, released June 23, 2005

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about

Dan McKinnon Halifax, Nova Scotia

Blessed with a glorious baritone voice, a graceful mastery on guitar, and a hearty laugh that delights any room, Dan McKinnon has carved out his own unique, musical path. From early beginnings in the coffee houses, pubs and bars of Atlantic Canada, to yearly tours throughout the UK, Dan’s performances reveal an enduring respect for the past, tempered by a profound attachment to the present. ... more

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