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Lock-Keeper (WORD)
Lock-Keeper (PDF)
YOU CAN PLAY ALONG WITH THE VIDEO IN GCEA TUNING, if you put your capo on the 2nd fret! Thanks to Nancy Seamen for introducing this song to BUG when she presented it as an open mic!
Stanley Allison Rogers (November 29, 1949 – June 2, 1983) was a Canadian folk musician and songwriter who sang traditional-sounding songs frequently inspired by Canadian history and the working people's daily lives, especially from the fishing villages of the Maritime provinces and, later, the farms of the Canadian prairies and Great Lakes. Rogers was born in Hamilton, Ontario, the eldest son of Nathan Allison Rogers and Valerie (née Bushell) Rogers, two Maritimers who had relocated to Ontario in search of work shortly after their marriage in July 1948. Although Rogers was raised in Binbrook, Ontario, he often spent summers visiting family in Guysborough County, Nova Scotia. He died in a fire aboard Air Canada Flight 797, grounded at the Greater Cincinnati Airport, at the age of 33.
“Lock-Keeper” tells the story of two friends, one who works as a lock-keeper on the St. Lawrence Seaway and the other who travels the world as a sailor. The song portrays the bittersweet nature of longing and sacrifice, and their contrasting experiences highlight the complex emotions and trade-offs that come with pursuing different paths in life.
Stan Rogers sang his own song “Lock-Keeper” on his 1984 album From Fresh Water. He commented in his liner notes:
There is an extensive system of locks along the St. Lawrence Seaway. The locks have a marvellous history. It’s a pity they couldn’t speak half the tales they’ve been privy to. I guess it probably goes without saying that everyone who has to travel to make a living will relate to the parallels in this song. Stan loved the road and performing was life’s-blood, but he wanted very badly to be the lock-keeper.