Great tune. I've got a copy of the original vinyl 45 RPM release. When it comes to meaning, I think the lyrics speak for themselves. I saw The Band perform live once, and their musicianship was awesome! Listening to this particular tune, nobody would ever believe that The Band is four-fifths Canadian (only Levon Helm is American). Their cultural connection to the U.S. is through Louisiana for, you see, many French Canadians were deported south to Louisiana in the 1760's when the British captured Nova Scotia. In Canada they were known as "Acadians", whereas today in the south they're now known as "Cajuns". This is the cultural heart of the music of The Band, and it really comes out in this track, particularily in the yodelling at the end of the chorus. Long live Dixie!
@RayMan The Canadian members of The Band are from Toronto, and don't have any connection to Acadia. Their music doesn't sound Acadian at all, and Acadians don't yodel.
@RayMan The Canadian members of The Band are from Toronto, and don't have any connection to Acadia. Their music doesn't sound Acadian at all, and Acadians don't yodel.
Great tune. I've got a copy of the original vinyl 45 RPM release. When it comes to meaning, I think the lyrics speak for themselves. I saw The Band perform live once, and their musicianship was awesome! Listening to this particular tune, nobody would ever believe that The Band is four-fifths Canadian (only Levon Helm is American). Their cultural connection to the U.S. is through Louisiana for, you see, many French Canadians were deported south to Louisiana in the 1760's when the British captured Nova Scotia. In Canada they were known as "Acadians", whereas today in the south they're now known as "Cajuns". This is the cultural heart of the music of The Band, and it really comes out in this track, particularily in the yodelling at the end of the chorus. Long live Dixie!
Great post!
Great post!
I found this site and thought I'd share:
I found this site and thought I'd share:
http://www.19thcenturyguitar.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=74
http://www.19thcenturyguitar.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=74
It provides interesting info about the history of yodelling and early American guitar.
It provides interesting info about the history of yodelling and early American guitar.
@RayMan The Canadian members of The Band are from Toronto, and don't have any connection to Acadia. Their music doesn't sound Acadian at all, and Acadians don't yodel.
@RayMan The Canadian members of The Band are from Toronto, and don't have any connection to Acadia. Their music doesn't sound Acadian at all, and Acadians don't yodel.