The Band

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
She reads the leaves and she leads the life
That she learned so well from the old wives
It's so strange to arrange it
You know I wouldn't change it
But hear me, if you're near me
Can I just rearrange it?

[Bridge 1]
The watchman covers me
With his remedies
I can't see, it's hard to feel
I think his magic might be real

[Verse 2]
I can't get to you from your garden gate
You know it's always locked by the magistrate
Now, he don't care why you cry
You know he thinks it's just a lie
To get out, I don't doubt
That you'd make a try

[Bridge 2]
And if the good times get you through
I know the dogs won't bother you
We'll be gone in moonshine time
I got a place they'll never find
[Verse 3]
You know I do believe in your hexagram
But can you tell me how they all knew the plan?
Did you trip or slip on their gifts
You know we're just a con?
You knew it, why'd you do it?
I've been hiding in the dark

[Bridge 3]
Now I must be on my way
I guess you really have to stay
Inside the mission wall
Down in Modock, ArkansasEmbed

There are some songs that capture the essence of a moment, a feeling, or a place. Caledonia Mission, by The Band, does just that. It's a song that transports you to a simpler and more idyllic time. With its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, this song is a testament to the enduring power of music.

About Caledonia Mission

Caledonia Mission was written by Robbie Robertson for The Band's 1968 album, Music from Big Pink. The song is named after a cargo ship that delivered imports to Havana, Cuba in the early 1960s. The ship was owned by the United Fruit Company, a large American corporation that had significant influence in Central and South America.

The song's lyrics are about a man who leaves his hometown and travels to a distant land in search of adventure and fortune. The protagonist is restless and yearns for a change of scenery, but as he journeys further away from his home, he begins to feel a sense of longing and sadness. The song captures the bittersweet feeling of leaving something behind in pursuit of something else.

The instrumentation of Caledonia Mission is sparse but effective. The song features a gentle acoustic guitar, a lilting bass line, and a softly brushed drumbeat. The Band's trademark harmonies are on full display here, adding a haunting and melancholy quality to the song.

The Meaning of Caledonia Mission

Caledonia Mission is a song about longing and nostalgia. It's about the allure of adventure and the pull of the familiar. The song's protagonist is searching for something more in life, but as he journeys further away from home, he realizes that what he left behind was just as important as what he's searching for.

The song's title has an interesting history. Caledonia was the ancient Roman name for Scotland, and it was later used by Scottish settlers in the New World to describe their new home. The name has become associated with the concept of a mythical homeland, a place of beauty and peace that exists only in our imaginations.

As such, Caledonia Mission is a song about the power of imagination and the allure of the unknown. It's a song about the hills we've never seen and the people we've yet to meet.

The Legacy of Caledonia Mission

Caledonia Mission is a beloved song among fans of The Band. It's been covered by a number of artists over the years, including Wilco, The Black Crowes, and The Arcade Fire. The song's popularity only seems to have increased over time, as new listeners discover its gentle and haunting beauty.

The song is also a testament to the enduring legacy of The Band. The Band was one of the most influential groups of the late 1960s and early 1970s, and their music continues to captivate audiences to this day. Their unique blend of folk, rock, and Americana has inspired countless musicians over the years, and their influence can be heard in everything from alt-country to indie rock.

In short, Caledonia Mission is a timeless classic. It's a song that captures the essence of a moment and the feeling of a place. It's a song that speaks to the human experience of longing and nostalgia, and it's a song that will endure for generations to come.

• Release Date: July 1, 1968
• Artist: The Band