Stan Rogers - Northwest Passage

Click "more info" for lyrics!
Give Stan Rogers a space on the Canadian walk of fame, sign the petition here: www.petitiononline.com/GSRAS1/...
Thank you in advance for your support.
-Give Stan A Star Foundation
Chorus:
Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage
To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea;
Tracing one warm line through a land so wild and savage
And make a Northwest Passage to the sea.
Westward from the Davis Strait 'tis there 'twas said to lie
The sea route to the Orient for which so many died;
Seeking gold and glory, leaving weathered, broken bones
And a long-forgotten lonely cairn of stones.
(chorus)
Three centuries thereafter, I take passage overland
In the footsteps of brave Kelso, where his "sea of flowers" began
Watching cities rise before me, then behind me sink again
This tardiest explorer, driving hard across the plain.
(chorus)
And through the night, behind the wheel, the mileage clicking west
I think upon Mackenzie, David Thompson and the rest
Who cracked the mountain ramparts and did show a path for me
To race the roaring Fraser to the sea.
(chorus)
How then am I so different from the first men through this way?
Like them, I left a settled life, I threw it all away.
To seek a Northwest Passage at the call of many men
To find there but the road back home again.
(chorus)

[@0axel078]

that one guy who goes up every time on "passage" and "savage"? love it

[@NK73080]

That’s his brother garnet Rogers, they kinda got that awesome harmony family members have when they sing. He pursued a musical career as well but I don’t think he ever got out of his brothers 6’4” shadow

[@adelevath-nolan9110]

@@NK73080 Willie P Bennett had the higher harmony RIP Willie

[@poisonavey3794]

It’s like adding an ! To the word lol

[@fcleffox]

The Real McKenzies have a great version of this that really leans into that note as well. Definitely a more punk rock style, but still a great version.

[@malbogia8003]

For me, Unleash the Archers pops up first. Not a bad cover but this was the original for me

[@Dayonder]

What really pulls it all together is that one backup singer who sounds like he's on the verge of tears

[@chevykamara2687]

His brother, Garrett

[@chevykamara2687]

And it makes me be on the verge of tears 😢

[@jimbobsmith827]

@@chevykamara2687 Dikke an ball sin d-rome

[@chevykamara2687]

@@jimbobsmith827 what? Lol

[@fakename287]

@@jimbobsmith827 in English, please

[@paulshields8904]

His son attended the school I taught at, during one of the assemblies he sang this song to the entire school. He was in grade 5 at the time. Stan had already passed away but he got up and sang the entire song by himself. You could hear a pin drop. Well done Nathan Rogers and rest in peace Stan. Love your music and your respect for your countries stories.

[@smithfenner5652]

Paul Shields Wow, that’s awesome

[@The31stcenturyfox]

I've heard Nathan sing, he has such a similar voice to his dad, and some great songs.

[@jaymckay4086]

Yes thanks Paul for the great story. Sing on Nathan!!

[@googleisretarded7618]

Wow.

[@phillipandreweger6741]

Never had a KZbin comment make me cry before. That's a beautiful story.

[@89elguapo]

Stan to THAT One Background Singer: “See what you want to do is, you want to put some pepper on the end of it.”

[@dougurt]

Fun fact, that's actually Stan Rogers's brother, Garnet! I think their voices work so well together because of the genetic relation and them growing up singing together lol

[@89elguapo]

@@dougurt No way! That’s so cool, I was just listening to Stan’s son Nathan play this song and it’s amazing how similar and just deeply emotional their voices sound. I never would have known that about Garnet, thank you for sharing!

[@ProfesserLuigi]

@@89elguapo Garnet is the semi-secret weapon of the Stan Rogers band. So many of Stan's songs are twice as good just for his accompanyment.

[@russergee49]

Aw geez... I can’t read that without thinking of Letterkenny and reading it in Wayne’s voice 😆

[@89elguapo]

@@russergee49 You nailed it super chief! Gotta come in all dramatic for that final YAAASSS!

[@corbinpeacock8722]

I'm not crying. You're crying.

[@willanderson3810]

This American is even misty eyed.

[@BigBluenoser]

It's raining on my face

[@anick82]

Amen to that

[@Merdulac]

Just great!

[@farididdinrahimov1050]

No, we are crying.

[@canmoore]

This song is not really about Franklin per se. Its about Stan driving across Canada, and realizing just how huge this country is and thinking about all of the explorers who came before him.

[@ioannispolemarkhos7364]

+canmoore It's about the indomitable human spirit manifested in great Canadian pioneers who did not say "I will stay here, that is enough." They persevered through great hardships and split mountains apart and charted sea routes that everyone else did not care to chart. In this, they formed a sort of brotherhood that echoes through centuries that Stan has heard and shares with us through this immortal anthem. I'm not even Canadian, and this song makes me so proud of Canada. Stan Rogers, I hardly knew you, but you affected my soul, man.

[@wherewolfprime]

It has space enough to be about both and more.

[@recording_closet9100]

Soon enough that'll be my story, but I'll be able to see a little more from 1000 meters up...

[@Exposing_Mark_Niemczyk]

The parts about Franklin are about Franklin.

[@rickyj5547]

@@Exposing_Mark_Niemczyk sir john frankin.

[@MrZeus141]

HMS Terror has been located yesterday. As a Brit, I'm proud Canada can finally put the souls of those brave sailors to rest. This song nails it home, Franklin is lost no more.RIP the crews of Terror, Erebus, and Mr Rogers. Respect to Canada from the mother Country

[@mcaddicts]

As soon as i heard this news i played this song.

[@highdelta3561]

Thanks mate.

[@snoproblem]

When the Erebus was finally located, I couldn't get this song out of my head.

[@NeverSaySandwich1]

Salute to Captain Crozier

[@MrZeus141]

@@NeverSaySandwich1 may that Irish badass rest in peace.

[@garywhitt98]

Anyone else think that Garnet Roger’s high tenor on this song is otherworldly and hauntingly beautiful?

[@katherinejohnson-aplin4084]

Having seen Garnet twice in his baritone glory, even more extraordinary. ❤

[@fillabunny]

I'm reading Chris Hadfield's book right now, and he says this was his wake-up music on the day he became the first Canadian to perform a spacewalk. Beautiful - perfect choice.

[@boddingtonkeyworth8025]

+fillabunny The same book just brought me to this song for the first time - it's nice to meet a kindred spirit.

[@fillabunny]

+Boddington Keyworth Same here. Enjoy, my friend :)

[@besafe2000]

+fillabunny you're gay

[@Chris32351]

Same here! I've just stopped reading and immediately searched for this song. Hadfield, good as always. xD

[@CaptainLumpyDog]

+Jake Briggs Was that really necessary?

[@mrpepperidgefarms]

Stan was a dear friend to my mother and father... Stan, his brother Garnet and Willi P Bennett played music with my parents.... Stan would stay at my family's home whenever he came to California. He was a kind gentle giant. He'd make maps for me to use to find "treasure" he'd hide in the yard. Fond memories

[@DawnTheSnake]

Aw that’s really sweet!❤ I just learned about this man yesterday because my Social Studies teacher showed us a book about this song.

[@KoolWithAQ]

I discovered Stan Rogers yesterday. I will listen to him for the rest of my life.

[@CDNSpartan]

It is so sad how he died. He hated flying on an airplane and he thought every time he flew it raised the chances of him dying on a plane. Then June 2nd of 1983 he's worst fear happened when Air Canada flight 797 had a fire on board causing the plane to have to make a emergency landing. After landing the plane doors were opened causing a rush of oxygen into the plane and in 90 seconds the whole plane burst into flames with 23 people on board 23 safely off. Only passengers died. All the crew escaped

[@BrokVoekler]

+Matthew Walsh He was kind of too good to not die young, huh?

[@MrStark2U]

👍

[@MrStark2U]

+Matthew Walsh that's too bad. this guy was a great story teller

[@lee-annhellner9622]

+Kool With A K Me too.

[@Anghellik9]

Stan Rogers died at 33. It is unbelievable that he managed to have the cultural effect on Canada that he did before his life was snuffed out so young.

[@marvinthemaniac7698]

He died from smoke inhalation after the plane he was flying on caught fire.

[@koala8313]

interesting age and way to die.

[@joshuafischer684]

​@@koala8313Stan died a hero's death. He went back into a burning airplane 3 times to get people out.

[@DawnTheSnake]

@@joshuafischer684Damn

[@marshallheritage6320]

@@joshuafischer684 Wow had no idea about that detail. That makes hearing his music so much more powerful in a way. Real Canadian hero up there with Terry Fox etc.

[@shizo66]

came from unleash the archers to pay respect to the original

[@trialbystone2532]

UtA is one of my favourite power metal bands and for as great as their version is, it doesn't quite have the original's charm.

[@forsythdavid23]

Well done, sir.

[@nickyboy22071989]

Yeah same.

[@shade01977]

Ditto.

[@DODO31193]

Another one for the same reason. Also Saltatio Mortes is great.

[@Thannoise]

As a great-great-great niece of a crew member on Erebus, this song means a lot. My ancestor left a wife and four young children in Aberdeen to join the Expedition.

[@thunderstruck1078]

Your nation-destroying EU flag is like spitting on his grave.

[@Aussiedezza12]

@@thunderstruck1078 how ?

[@owenmills3517]

@@thunderstruck1078 I agree mate

[@Lokigard]

@@Aussiedezza12 - Because it is cultural destruction. Europe will have no unique cultures in 100-200 years. Brexit was 20 years too late to save the UK.

[@absolutelyyousless7605]

@@basedbulgar5240 If only Constantinople remained in the hands of Rome.

[@Yankpats]

For those who don't know-- this story is about Sir John Franklin and his expedition crew to map the Northwest passage. He was to map his way to the Mackenzie River mouth located in the Beaufort Sea. Franklin's crew endured some very unexpected conditions and unfortunate circumstances during this journey. They understood that during the winter months their ship would be frozen into the sea, forcing them to endure winter in a stationary position. The first winter went by without a whole lot of trouble. They were located on the Baffin Island, only a few crew members died. However, the journey thereafter is where things turned for the worse. The next winter they were stuck next to King William Island. To their belief, each summer the ice will thaw and release their ship. This following summer they were not as lucky and were not released. Sir John Franklin died at this location on June 11th 1847. The second winter stuck at this location came and left and they decided they could not afford to wait and hope to be released so they set out on foot on April 26th 1848. At this point they had lost 9 officers and 15 crew members between the ships EMS Erabus and EMS Terror. They set out on foot hoping to find more amicable weather and the ability to return back to England. Most of the crew died early on the travels and most of the rest (30-40 men) died around the mouth of the Back River. Current technology shows that they had died from very disturbing conditions. Most had scurvy (lack of vitamin C) and an insane amount of lead within their bones suggesting mass lead poisoning. Speculation suggests their fresh water systems on the ships, that were lead, were to blame for the poisoning. They also resorted to cannibalism when starvation set in which was evident by cuts on their bones. However, this isnt to say that they weren't afforded the ability to seek help. Many times the local Indians had come into relative contact with them. However, these men were not so apt to ask for local help out of what is potentially pride. So the indigenous people just watched them wither and consume each other from a distance. Several parties were commissioned by the government as well as Sir John Franklin's wife to attempt to recover the ships and find out what happened. Those people took the area by canoe and foot to investigate the situation. They interviewed the local men and pieced together what had happened. They also received word from a few of the indigenous people that a small group had made it several hundred miles further south before succumbing to conditions. Although those reports are potentially unsubstantiated. On September 7th 2014 the remains of the EMS Erabus has been discovered. On November 6th 2014 the Canadian government had announced they had recovered the EMS Erabus' ship's bell. This was a gloss over of the overall story. I highly suggest that you investigate further because this is an absolutely amazing piece of history that is beautifully illustrated in the immortal words of Stan Rodgers.

[@atfourothirtythree]

+Yankpats How much more meaning these lyrics have taken since the discovery of the Erabus - immortalized

[@Rardlesot]

+Yankpats According to Inuit sources, they did give the survivors some meat and fat, and the commander officer, apparently Crozier, the Captain of the Terror, begged them for more, but the Inuit knew they could barely feed themselves, far less thirty odd starving, helpless, Europeans. So they fled in the night from fear of being attacked by the desperate men. The Arctic forces people to be pretty ruthless. Anthony Brandt's Book, The Man Who Ate His Boots, is a very good account of the history of efforts to fnd the North West Passage. Avoid Iceblink, by Scott Cookman, as he is peddling his own pet theory (botulism in the poorly sealed cans). And avoid at all costs Dam Simmon's novel, The Terror, which suggests the problem wasn't scurvy or lead poisoning, or even botulism, but a malevolent arctic spirit monster.

[@iamnobody2]

+Rardlesot was simmon's novel bad? it wasn't meant to be an accurate historical book

[@patd1311]

HMS...His Majesty’s Ship. Thank you for account.

[@SaxonTrue]

Thank you

[@taysmane]

Ya know its kinda strange to me, I'm a metal head through and through, never listen to anything else for longer than a day or two, and am probably the furthest thing from a Canadian on the planet. The first time I've listened to a Stan Rogers song was about 3 years ago when a friend was listening to Barrett's Privateers next to me and I kinda liked it, but never gave it much thought. Three months ago I was sent this song by the aforementioned friend and it just felt like a big wake up call, completely changed my outlook on life, looking to change my corporate slave job to something that would allow me to spend more time with family and would give me the time to pursue the things I love in life, something part time as I'm only 25 and a student. I know no one will read this most likely, but if you happen to see this comment and are listening to Stan for the first time, please, make sure to look at your life and see where it needs changing, because at this day and age most people aren't happy, whether its because of their jobs, home or life in general, ther's always something you can do to change it for the better. Thanks Stan, and rest in peace.

[@AppleTamer57]

thank you

[@timmctiernan7794]

I have what you feel. Stan Rogers is a poet who captures Canada”s history and regional cultures/lifestyles brilliantly. It was a tragedy that he died because someone smoked in an airline bathroom and the resulting fire resulted in a burning aircraft landing in Cincinnati. Stan didn’t make it. The day after tomorrow my wife and I are heading on a trip into the NorthWest Passage. Stan is on my iPhone. He will travel with us.

[@dashiellbean6334]

I too have only ever really listened to metal, until I heard someone singing Barretts privateers, and I started listening to a whole lot of Stan Rogers.

[@emilyrattini8462]

I’m also a metal head (and I’m tempted to ask you about your favorite bands), and I only just discovered this song a few days ago. Someone wrote a version of this about the march across the Ice in the Silmarillion. Considering my interest in Tolkien also led me to metal in the first place, this discovery feels strangely important.

[@williamfinlay601]

I read it, friend.

[@bstampl1]

Any time that Canada hosts the Olympics, this should be sung in the opening ceremony, so a global audience can hear it. I think it's a song that people will still know 100 years from now. Saying this as an American. So good

[@pontificate2090]

I would love this to be sung. But knowing the left-wing political climate in this country, so many people would denounce this as "reycyst and muh colonialism waahhh wahhh"

[@quinn470]

​@@pontificate2090 BAHAHAH so true

[@RedStarProductionss]

Goddamn true and I hate Canada and America but stan was a working class hero for the world

[@jonasgraumans2034]

@@pontificate2090 you sure you have the right username?

[@jakobgeigelclermont]

@@pontificate2090 I'm a Canadian leftist and I approve of this song being sung at the Olympics. Good songs don't care about petty mortal politics.

[@fallingcrane1986]

The Bristol Pusher has pushed us all to good music :)

[@nickyboy22071989]

Her: "So you'd rather go on a sea voyage with the boys than spend time with me!?" Me:

[@imperialofficer6185]

unironically

[@tcm1010_7]

@@imperialofficer6185 lol

[@prairiedweller8917]

NFW!

[@thedictationofallah]

this is not a sea shanty idiot

[@anodeenzyme]

"What is a woman that you forsake her/And go with the old grey widow-maker?"

[@brewhomiec]

This song is, at the very least, an anthem for anyone who has tried to achieve that which was once unachievable. Respect.

[@liftshaulscooks]

👍

[@dstblj5222]

and has now been achieved

[@tylerjohn4607]

Lewis from the Yogscast was singing this song so I had to go find the original! Awesome awesome song

[@jekanyika]

same

[@brianm5060]

who knew lew lew had such good taste

[@thecanadianguy1662]

The exact reason I came here

[@DarthRevan42]

Lmao that's why I am here

[@caroline4323]

Help.. I have an old cd of Canadian folksongs, it´s Czech, I want to find original versions, unfortunately, no original titles. Already found Huron Carol, Hogan´s Lake, Old Polina, and a few others.. Can´t find a song about an escape from Cherokee Indians.. It´s kind of a tear-jerker, about a man putting his wife and children in a boat so that they could escape..any help, pls??? It is supposed to be a gift...

[@thorstenlone9207]

Came from Unleash the Archers, stayed for this beautiful Song.

[@matthewbrewer9776]

Even in 2023 this song is still beautiful

[@philsimon9063]

Stan's voice was so full for being so young.

[@therealskull4786]

he died to early. Imagine what he would've sounded like in his 40s, 50s, or 60s

[@moblinmajorgeneral]

@@therealskull4786 Stan was a "shooting star", like from the Bad Company song. Some people live short lives, but still leave indelible marks on the world. If he were still alive, he might still be iconic, but his short life compared to his cultural impact immortalized him.

[@snakes3425]

RIP Stan Rogers, and the Crews of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror

[@dudds6699]

they found the ships sadly no hand :-(

[@lowcash000]

and still no sign of Sir Franklins grave.....

[@wogears]

Lord Franklin

[@lowcash000]

wogears No Lord,just a "Sir" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Franklin

[@sarahbolton2942]

I think it's referring to the folk song

[@jaciem]

I feel very lucky to have seen Mr. Rogers' final performance. I was at the Kerrville Folk Festival in 1983 - he was flying home from the festival when he died. I remember distinctly the mournful sound of the audience reacting to Rod Kennedy's announcement of the tragedy. I've always admired Mr. Rogers for his heroic actions that day - apparently he had returned to the smoke-filled plane to help others out when he succumbed. A amazing songwriter and an amazing, heroic person. Sorely missed outside of Canada as well.

[@TheMonkofshadows]

old bastard.. lol jk it would have been cool

[@maximumgames2990]

Dude. Do not bring politics into the legacy of this beautiful man.

[@maximumgames2990]

@@ukrainiansareproto-mesopat9235 I don't care if white people are a minority, I don't care about your ideology. I only care that you pulled a beautiful man into this. Leave him alone.

[@nomanmcshmoo8640]

A bard who lived up to his own songs. That's a man to admire for his talent AND his bravery!!!!!

[@NK73080]

@jaciem what was the concert like?

[@perpetualjon]

Just found this song again after about 30 years since I last heard it as a child. Just realized this singer was just in his 30's when he died. Stan's singing sounds like an old weary sea captain with decades of toil behind him. Amazing...

[@RenaRoo123]

perpetualjon I listened to the song 45 years so much as a kid. The line “after 23 years you’d think I could find a way to let you know somehow” always struck me as an older man with his wife of 23 years.And it wasn’t until my late teens I learned he only lived to his mid thirties. He meant after 23 years alive. It really stuck me even more how wonderful of an artist he was

[@Mr_T_Badger]

His voice, along with Queen, was the soundtrack to my childhood as well. His son, Nathan Rogers, looks and sounds just like him as well as doing his own music.

[@meiamymei]

I'd never heard of him until a few months ago and just found out when and how he died last night. Talk about "too good for this world-" a genius lyricist, musician and performer who sacrificed his life to save others when he was only 34 💔 just tragic.

[@OFAraway]

this song makes me wanna leave a settled life, throw it all away to seek a Northwest Passage

[@ciarancassidy7566]

Well the good news is that it's entirely possible that there will be an actual regularly usable northwest passage within a hundred years. The downside is the massive damage that will be done by the melting ice that clears it.

[@Jaann1919]

@@ciarancassidy7566 the panama canal basicaly made a northwest passage not needed

[@matheussanthiago9685]

@@Jaann1919 just came from a video of real life lore at how the melting artic sea is going to make alaska one of america's most important strategic points and a great deal of that has to do with control over the northwest passage

[@shaunmacneill2657]

The high harmony in this song gets me every time. Perfect.

[@ananimal9779]

It's like the whistling spirit of the lost explorers on the frigid wind. It chills me every time. The harmony between Garnet and Stan is wild, something seemingly only family can do.

[@stevenoname3175]

A must listen for every student of Canadian history.

[@gregrodwell895]

And British!

[@godhelpme8902]

I’m not crying. I’m just sweaty. Extremely sweaty.

[@SophisticatedBanjo]

It would make such a powerful national anthem: so much meaning behind the lyrics, and the thought of a whole stadium of Canadians joining a singer on the chorus just gives you chills.

[@zjbautista]

I do favor this if we have to change our anthem i just think it would need to be edited a bit. Especially those killer solos hahha

[@seanlp719]

I do not like O Canada, which I am subjected to every morning. We should change our pathetic anthem to this.

[@ravenking2882]

Maybe it's going to be in Northwest Republic.

[@GenkiGanbare]

A large amount of people singing this together, like at a stadium, sounds like Canadians are refugees on a boat crossing the ocean seeking a home where they'd find peace and safety for their families. Which is what our forefathers were exactly, whether Scottish, Irish, French, Chinese, or any other wave of people. "How then am I so different from the first men through this way? Like them I left a settled life, I threw it all away"

[@robsargent4]

***** Or English even.

[@snoproblem]

This song was used to great effect in the series finale of "Due South" - I was choked up and covered in goosebumps. EDIT: If it wasn't so hard for a layman to sing, "Northwest Passage" would make an AWESOME National Anthem.

[@gunguntrio1247]

I loved that show. It was never as good after Ray left the series. Couldn't even finish it.

[@brendansheerin8980]

Due south introduced me to Stan Rogers

[@jameslevesque9720]

I was watching videos from the game Dread Hunger. Now im here.

[@peadarmacewen4710]

Met him at a house party in the mid seventies - sitting near while he sang was like standing beside a piper on the war pipes - a powerful man, a poet, a patriot.

[@NK73080]

Pls tell me everything

[@seanlp719]

Stan Rogers alone can make me feel incredibly proud about a part of the nation I've never visited.

[@allisonmackay3818]

He also makes me proud of being a pirate with no legs and I've never been that...

[@furioussherman7265]

I'd recommend taking a road trip from sea to sea in Canada. There's so much great landscape, great culture, greater people, and amazing experiences in this country. It will be the experience of a lifetime, I guarantee it.

[@u2bScrnName]

Dak Lamerbusch Heresay. Get off the couch and see for yourself. 'Cuz ya know, soooo many folks from North America immigrate east to Europe.

[@henrywhitmore4353]

Dak Lamerbusch If culture/history is your thing then definitely Europe would be "better", but Canada and the American northwest are unrivaled in natural beauty!

[@furioussherman7265]

Henry Whitmore I completely agree with you, but I'd add in all of the U.S. as natural beauty.

[@cindyturner3287]

David Coffin brought me here; he said he would not record Northwest Passage because Stan did it best. Beautiful.

[@Shaden0040]

I absolutely love the harmonies in this song. so tight and eerie, haunting that clutches the heart and soul.

[@SomeYouTubeTraveler]

Even the tenor who can't sing on pitch for half the song?

[@nonnaurbisness3013]

@@SomeKZbinTraveler it may have been 5 years ago but its never too late to try and gate keep enjoying music am I right?

[@concars1234]

@@SomeKZbinTraveler the tenor's emotional and almost cracking voice really adds something imo

[@woofy9977]

@@SomeKZbinTraveler you’re rworded

[@BrentRPoynter]

Unleash the Archers brought me hear. I am immediately a huge fan of both versions of the song

[@neurosin]

Haha. Same. Hearing the song I just knew it had to be a cover.

[@indesignkat]

I had heard of Stan Rogers from another of his songs, Barrett's Privateers, but I wasn't familiar with this song until UtA. Great song.

[@abouttime5000]

Such a tragic loss. If we only had him longer imagine the songs he would have created.

[@no.7711]

How miserable must one be to dislike this?

[@vancouverology]

I am French Canadian and I love this. My ancestors took part in building our great country since 400 years. They were great explorers ...

[@CanadianMonarchist]

The couriers des bois!

[@liamgriffin218]

A few days late, but I'm pouring one out for Stan Rogers tonight. RIP (Jun. 2, 1983)

[@Beilmanimal]

Unleash the Archers recorded an EPIC power metal cover of this. So in love with this song.

[@muziksiyenci]

He died in 1983, Air Canada flight ACA797... Such a nice song, what a nice singer. Rest in peace Mr. Rogers...

[@t_rex8767]

yeah while the plane was on the ground, on fire, he went inside the plane several times to save other passengers and then died of carbondioxide(?)-poisoning....at least thats what i have heard

[@ignacioleikis1784]

*peace

[@brendamyerstrachanmyer6817]

tea_rex87 actually he never got out at all was found in his sear

[@garcalej]

We lost Buddy Holly, Jim Croce, John Denver, and Lynyrd Skynyrd the same way. Air travel and folk singers just don’t mix.

[@Oscoe63]

@@garcalej also CW singers....don't forget Patsy Cline !

[@ioannispolemarkhos7364]

If Canada changes its anthem to this, I will trace one warm line northwards to Canada, leaving behind my settled life in Sunnypansyville, America to become the strong, rugged lumberjack this song demands me to be. God bless you rugged Canadians.

[@ZilanticCSGO]

+Ioannis Polemarkhos Amen.

[@marcoliocops]

+Ioannis Polemarkhos. I haven't laughed this hard

[@feliloki7]

This is basically the story of my familly

[@CharlotteFairchild]

+Ioannis Polemarkhos Stan Rogers wasn't a lumberjack. He was a poet. Sing the songs and let him live through your voice.

[@ioannispolemarkhos7364]

Charlotte Fairchild Oh, he's a lumberjack, alright... and he chopped the wood that warms the cockles of my heart.

[@mikecarey1825]

A very profound man from Hamilton Ontario.. If he sang about farming he was a farmer. If he sang about a retiring captain he was a retiring captain, if he sang about a fisherman he was a fisherman, you can always see and feel what he's singing.. I would have loved to have seen him in a concert.. rest easy Stan.

[@KittyxGrimm]

This needs to be our national anthem. Gods save Canada! RIP Stan Rogers.

[@KittyxGrimm]

Oh Man! It's boring and doesn't really illustrate how great our country really is.

[@mckenzie.latham91]

This folk song embodies the history and Spirit of Canada, better then O'Canada, O'Canada is more like a pledge, while this is more anthem worthy.

[@sergeyc5528]

Time than Canada was still Cananda

[@crinolynneendymion8755]

People should be reminded of how Rogers died. A true hero.

[@chrispesklo5115]

@@BenDover-jy1wy - you made a very racist statement. Very un-Canadian - and Un-American...

[@HorseOnTheLonePrairie]

Proud to be a Canadian. This song should be our anthem. Beautiful.

[@hypersp3ce596]

This song becomes much more sad once you learn the story of Sir John Franklin and his lost expedition.

[@sharibaldwin7898]

Stan may you be sailing through the Northwest Passage tonight with Franklin & his crew.

[@Nalgore]

I love the fact that the comment section for this song is so non-toxic, free of trolling and pure. I found Mr. Rogers only recently, but the music has moved to tears, and the fact he's no more for this world only intensifies the feeling that I'm listening to something that will never come back or be replaced. Anyway, I wanted to thank all admirers for being so pure in their admiration, however awkward that may sound.

[@hellbeforebreakfast6304]

When I was reading through this comment section, there was. A comment that said "garbage" above you

[@CharlesPepper]

Thank you for this. God rest the brave British sailors and Royal Marines who lost their lives on the Franklin expedition. Maybe one day they'll be honoured in Britain as much as they deserve to come home. God bless and rest Stan Rogers, a Canadian gemstone. Hands across the sea.

[@joshuaplotkin8826]

More men died looking for Franklin then died with him

[@joshuaplotkin8826]

they might not be but Franklin is. There are statues, carvings and plaques that commemorate the "discoverer of the North West Passage". Which is funny when they did a documentary that brought an Inuit to London and he said that a dead man cannot discover anything and the title should be given to someone who made it out alive.

[@Rardlesot]

While I can't vouch for all statues, carvings and plaques, the Franklin Memorial in Westminster Abbey is quite judiciously worded. The text reads, "TO THE MEMORY OF SIR JOHN FRANKLIN, BORN APRIL 16. 1786, AT SPILSBY, LINCOLNSHIRE, DIED JUNE 11. 1847, OFF POINT VICTORY IN THE FROZEN OCEAN. THE BELOVED CHIEF OF THE GALLANT CREWS WHO PERISHED WITH HIM IN COMPLETING THE DISCOVERY OF THE NORTH-WEST PASSAGE." It does not describe him as the discoverer of the NW passage, nor does it suggest he managed to complete it or traverse it. The remnants of his crew did, however, discover the route around the south of King William Island (incorrectly identified as a peninsula by James Ross, I think) and thus opened the way for Amundsen's successful expedition. Franklin, in his three expeditions, probably did more than any other individual to chart the route, so deserves as much credit for finding an utterly useless way of getting to the Orient even more slowly than sailing round the horn.

[@joshuaplotkin8826]

they never completed it. they died before they completed the trip

[@Rardlesot]

Well, obviously. But Franklin personally contributed more to mapping and exploring the northern coast of Canada, and the 'missing link' - the route round the southern side of King William Island - was found and crossed by the last survivors of the Franklin expedition. I don't see why it such a big deal to deny Franklin and the men who died with him their due credit. They found the route that others were ultimately to sail.

[@MizuhoChan]

Thanks Lewis. This is awesome.

[@apolloniangerm]

Just one day before taking a plane to visit Canada for the first time, this song randomly came up through youtube’s autoplay, and before the very first chorus was over, I knew this was one of those songs that sticks with you the rest of your life. I was going to Canada to meet a woman I met online. Meeting a woman online from a different country was something I never in a million years thought I would do, and I really couldn’t be sure how it would turn out, so I was a bit nervous... but this song somehow filled me with courage and helped me to take my own northwest passage, so to speak... the spirit of heroic overcoming of all odds, and seeking to make that which was thought to be impossible, possible, is what this song is all about to me. Stan Rogers is an artistic genius and he died far too young... but the music he left behind will live forever, because it expresses something absolutely fundamental to our Northern souls... RIP Stan Rogers.

[@Heidishereandthere]

So what happened with you and the woman? I too was in a long distance "on-line" relationship for three years. We never met face to face until the day I drove up his driveway! I lived in Washington State, and he was in North Carolina! I made the 2800 mile drive, alone, in 3 days; stopping once to sleep for 6 hours! I arrived and everything was great! It's been 8 years since he and I met (on an online game of all places; not even looking to date!) and we will be married for 3 years come this February 2019! We are living in the Great Northwest, Washington State USA! Blessings!

[@jerryholt5290]

@@Heidishereandthere Good on Ya, Heidi ! I love stories that end like yours.

[@TheOwenMajor]

So were you catfished?

[@srddnrsmn7320]

We miss your videos, Germ !!! Hope all is well in the Peoples Republic of Illinois !

[@chrispesklo5115]

When I was a tour guide at Fort Snelling, Minnesota in 1988, all of us troopies sang this song and knew the lyrics by heart. I'm now a truck driver and often cross the border into Canada. I still sign this whole song to myself while crossing the Canadian Prairie in an 18 wheeler. Thank you Stan for your work. You left too soon...

[@jaspermccarthy1436]

Anyone from the new yogs video?

[@tylerjohn4607]

Yep!

[@jeffersondarcy6648]

I'm so proud to be Canadian, even though I'm American. This, and the story behind this, is so badass.

[@og1ie]

Mr. Rogers, Thank you. You lived and died. From your mouth, you have shook my life, and commanded me to be proud of my country, Canada, and proud of myself.

[@marcuspetrushko3762]

Canada has nothing to be proud of these days.

[@klassenkustoms9932]

We have no ban on import cars we should be proud

[@AngryGaper]

love it or leave it.

[@leftie4822]

The song praises hard work and the immigrants who left their native land often had socialism in their blood. Be proud of your heritage!

[@marcuspetrushko3762]

+William Matome actually, the native Americans instigated the violence, And Ukraine was never involved at all. We Ukrainians were busy starving in Europe. The fact that you make the claim racist without evidence makes you a bad person, and I have no reason to engage with a bad, stupid person like yourself. Come back when you don't have a double digit IQ and a triple digit income.

[@lizmorrison4284]

I have an unreasonable crush on Stan. His voice makes me misty. He died when I was 1, but my father raised me to appreciate Canadian folk music. Stan was incredible. Wish I could have met him.

[@gonzosundial]

I'm an American. This song haunts me. I salute Canadians, who I admire. Stan Rogers voice voice stirs something in me that reaches deep. So sorry he had to die so young. So glad his genius has been preserved.

[@Serb1x]

Just can't wait for Unleash the Archers album... Had to hear the song.

[@sanderhoefsloot6852]

I came here after the yogscast video haha

[@Spyro5500]

Same :)

[@tylerjohn4607]

Same!

[@jekanyika]

same

[@davidclow5564]

Stan Rogers was front and centre in my thoughts last night at the ROM, during the Royal Canadian Geographic Society's celebration of the discovery of Franklin's ship, the HMS Erebus, in Victoria Strait last fall. Despite the speech from PM Harper, it was the music of Stan Rogers that made the evening particularly memorable, and this marine archeology discovery a very proud evening to be Canadian. Only wish Stan was still with us to sign the song himself.

[@paulmadryga]

32+ years later, and this song still gives me goosebumps.

[@CaptainLumpyDog]

It is simply an extraordinary arrangement.

[@biancapeters5806]

You all need to watch 'The Terror' on Amazon prime, it's a fantastic dramatisation of the fateful voyage.

[@saxytb]

I have set up a personal tradition, which I have respected diligently: every time this song is performed by a musician in a pub I buy them pint of Guinness each. THIS SHOULD BE THE CANADIAN ANTHEM.

[@somedude3448]

If I hear a band play this I will now do this as well.

[@imnotsmallimfunsize2]

We saw Stan Rogers a few times at the old Ark in Ann Arbor, when it was in a big old house with wooden benches and pillows on the floor. The first time we sat politely in the back; for the times after that, we scrambled for the front row. We were sitting right at his feet for his last concert there, shortly before he passed. Good to hear about "Stanfest", will have to catch that sometime (have a kid getting married near this year's date).

[@Sandrone10]

38 years have passed , we dont never forget you....RIP ❤️

[@xoruhtra]

One has to be really, REALLY good to be able to portray emotion like this with nothing but one's voice. Stan Rogers is this good.

[@denatrask2120]

I first heard this song on a PBS documentary more than 30 years ago. I fell in love with it then and now I have found it again. I'm saddened to see this artist passed so young. My Canadian friends, be proud, This has brought me to tears for more than 30 years.

[@maning04]

As I get older I the more I appreciate these kind of songs.

[@nekostar941]

if you come here from Roman from RCR singing "The SE package". i admire you.

[@kezmsfilms1300]

Thank you Lewis Brindley for introducing me to this song :D

[@josgretf2800]

Same. Their Dread Hunger vids are the first vids on the main channel I have watched in a very long time.

[@williamcraig2050]

Just discovered Stan Rogers, and I don’t even know what to say. Instantly has a place in my heart.

[@YmCa4493]

It doesn't matter what nationality you are; this song should remind anyone who is human of the great things we can accomplish.

[@jvsj74]

I absolutely love this song. I live in Tennessee and it reminds me of the folk/bluegrass music we enjoy down here. Never been to Canada but Stan Roger's music speaks to anyone who appreciates beautiful, heartfelt music.

[@themotions5967]

That likely is because the roots of the styles of music probably have similar origin. It started as the celtic (Scottish/ Irish) folk music, many MANY Scottish and Irish folk came over to the new world during the colonial days as indentured servants and indentured sailors. As the celtic nautical culture grew with these unfortunate circumstances these folk songs turned to sea shanties, as they began to make their way back to colonial era Celtic majority towns they started turning back into folk music which spawned American bluegrass and Appalachian folk music. On the other hand many of the Irish and Scottish sailors maintained the tradition of shanties and carried it to other cultures including Canadian culture colonial British culture, French culture, and even the cultures of the colonial era Caribbean. It’s not surprising at all that music that derived from sea shanties would come from Canada just like how the re evolved celtic folk music of Appalachia would share so much in common given their roots

[@iRushil]

I don't know anything about this singer. But I heard this song in a documentary and it's just SO INTENSE!! It speaks to the soul.

[@diddlywolf9284]

this guy truly represents his homeland canada!

[@diddlywolf9284]

also his name is Stan Rogers he died in 1983 airplane accident on his way back to canada

[@diddlywolf9284]

flashfire incident

[@theoldschoolstuff]

thats how i came across this song. great song . great documentary

[@wolventhrone1631]

Im watching that documentary as we speak

[@djc811]

Here after watching re-runs of Due South on KZbin, where this brilliant, emotive song was featured. How brave those men were, forging through unknown, inhospitable territory in search of a dream.

[@Bing6813]

Hearing Stan bring this song to life is as close as many of us will ever come to hearing an actual Sea Chanty

[@nothosaur]

There is something powerfully inspirational about this song, these lyrics, and the way it is sung.

[@liftshaulscooks]

Absolutely!

[@exxodas]

Franklins expedition had immense influence that shaped geopolitics as we know it. The special relationship between the US and UK resulted from this expedition, when a rescue ship (HMS Resolute) looking for Franklin also got stuck and abandoned by the UK, and later found adrift by the US. The US fixed and returned the ship to the UK, and years later the UK gave the US a desk made from the timbers of this ship as a show of appreciation. This desk is used by US Presidents to this day. Today the US and UK relationship is the most powerful naval presence in the world, and brought unprecedented stability and peace across the globe... all thanks to Franklins expedition.

[@Therighteouscowboy]

Unleash the Archers brought me here.

[@Mr_T_Badger]

Daniel Tati give the rest of his music a try if you haven’t already. Barrett’s Privateers, The Mary Ellen Carter, and The Idiot Song are definite must listens.

[@ghah5701]

God speed, Sky King.

[@toddy2cool]

As a proud folk music loving Canadian, I can not believe that I am only discovering Stan Rogers now. I was heartbroken to find that we lost this great man and it kills me that no one else has taken up the style of music that he was the master of. Long live folk music, long live Canada.

[@robertstuart480]

+toddy2cool "Breakfast In Hell" by Slaid Cleaves is pretty good imo.

[@shawncavanagh401]

Yea a little strange you didn't know of him, but at least you do now. We're kind of lucky down in Nova Scotia, we all grew up on his stuff, It's amazing how popular his music is played at all the university's and pubs down here .

[@templerman1]

Were I 45 years younger I would join you. America seems strange to me now, and not like home. It saddens me and troubles me deeply.

[@somedude3448]

Same here, it breaks my heart

[@suezbell1]

First time hearing this. (USA). Yet more to like about our good neighbor, Canada.

[@stanleystlouis4903]

I worked the Beaufort. look my snow shoes

[@mcaddicts]

Neighbour we speak the Queen's english still.

[@murraystewartj]

I remember when Peter Gzowski hosted "Morningside", a three hour CBC radio show played across Canada from 9 -12. He ran a poll to nominate what should be the song that defines our country, as in an unofficial anthem. This song won overwhelmingly. I never got a chance to see Stan perform, but I well remember that sad morning when my girl friend and I woke to the CBC news on the radio and we just held each other and cried. They played "45 Years" and I think that was the moment when we decided to get serious. We moved from Vancouver to Halifax for uni in my old VW van, doing the song in reverse as it were. This country of Canada is huge and we met so many kind and helpful people on the jouney. Shoutouts to the mechanics in Lloydminster (Alberta side) who fixed our generator bearing for free and the lovely couple running a campground in the middle of nowhere, Quebec, for their true kindness to us, despite the language barrier. It truly is one warm line, and that warmth comes from the beating heart of everyone who is a caring and compassionate human being. Land may define a country, but people make it real. Stan would be about 73 today and I hope he can rest well knowing the impact his songs have made. So tragic that his voice and songs were stilled so early.

[@jamesjohnson9812]

He died as he sang, the songs were part of him some people are not replaceable, heroic songs heroic singer

[@wallyran]

Born and raised American. This song raises hackles and tears every time I hear it.

[@blacbraun]

We should put aside any silly nationalism. This is a story of the continent American's and Canadians share. It's fascinating.

[@paulhbrown]

Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage To find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea; Tracing one warm line through a land so wide and savage And make a Northwest Passage to the sea. Westward from the Davis Strait 'tis there 'twas said to lie The sea route to the Orient for which so many died; Seeking gold and glory, leaving weathered, broken bones And a long-forgotten lonely cairn of stones. Three centuries thereafter, I take passage overland In the footsteps of brave Kelso, where his "sea of flowers" began Watching cities rise before me, then behind me sink again This tardiest explorer, driving hard across the plain. And through the night, behind the wheel, the mileage clicking west I think upon Mackenzie, David Thompson and the rest Who cracked the mountain ramparts and did show a path for me To race the roaring Fraser to the sea. How then am I so different from the first men through this way? Like them, I left a settled life, I threw it all away. To seek a Northwest Passage at the call of many men To find there but the road back home again

[@sandrabienvenue4565]

Paul Brown i

[@FBCGodfather]

The lyrics are in the description. But thanks for wasting your time. ☺️

[@political_person1180]

this made me cry

[@hollysmith4972]

When I heard this the first time it was like something unlocked in me. Just a wave of inense familiarity and comfort, like its something i was always meant to be with. Its like that for all of his music. Its odd though, because i have no ties to it whatsoever. What do you call it when you feel nostalgia for something you've never known?

[@sarahh6]

Not sure if there's a word for it in English. Maybe you could say, "Nostalgia for a time in the past I never knew", if you're feeling fancy!). In Canadian French that would be "Nostalgie pour un temps passé j'ai jamais savé/connais"

[@nohozana]

It's called anemoia

[@skeeplebop]

@@nohozana From the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, a fellow man of culture indeed.

[@rossperth6766]

Just a great singer and songwriter, perhaps not celebrated enough. He was a great friend of my father, who I remember was devastated after Stan's death. A terrible cliche, but his music lives on and are timeless classics

[@edwardallen3062]

Your'e father was a lucky man and I feel lucky to have heard Stan Roger's music.

[@rossperth6766]

Thanks Edward, you're probably right. I was too young but I think he and Stan had a lot of laughs and my Dad arranged a fair few performances for Stan. I believe Stan was a very good man as well as a great musician.

[@xennial80sxberner]

Songwriters like Rogers must've lived such interesting lives. He was only 33 when he died but looked 55 and sounded like a world weary sea captain!

[@dark12794]

Was up at the coast this weekend. My great grandmother passed some time ago. While standing on a cliffside watching the waves and feeling the wind on my face this started playing on my mp3 player. I just started crying, it was beautiful. words simply cant describe everything I felt in that moment.

[@dark12794]

My dog wis standing on the cliff with me that day. Hed lost his dad a year or 2 prior and we started taking him up to the coast with us whenever we went. lost him 2 nights ago. But this will always be one of my most treasured memories of that dog.

[@ItsMrRedneckToYou]

My Grandfather was the radio operator on the RCMP ship St Roch that navigated the Northwest Passage. Although a different time, this song has allot of meaning to me.

[@doncherry2541]

I showed this to my buddys in high school and they were to dumb and def to hear the true beauty of this masterpiece. It’s like you can close your eyes and picture the cold frozen waters of the northwest passage and the history of the many men that lost there lives trying to make the great passage. Thank you truly Stan Rest In Peace beauty.

[@Grow5ft]

Saw Mayday Air Canada 797 episode and immediately had to hear this song. Beautiful song.

[@tactical_pat6449]

I believe this is one of my fathers favorite songs. Stan gave his life that fateful year, I was born that winter. I feel forever tied to his music thanks to dad.