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Written in the early 1950's, when the only connection
'outside' was by boat, and one had to travel to Gambo to wait
several hours for the train. In the song, individuals introduce
themselves in period dialect as they sit waiting.
Sung To Yankee Doodle
Oh, we're off to take a trip,
We've different destinations;
We all belong to Bonavist' Nart,
And we're waiting at Gambo Station.
Now I belong to Brookfield,
I'm goin' out swile huntin';
And if we gets a bumper trip
Den won't we fly de buntin'.
Oh, we're off to take a trip,
We've different destinations;
We all belong to Bonavist' Nart,
And we're waiting at Gambo Station.
I come up from Templeman,
I'm goin' in to Glenwood;
I got me saw and 'atchet 'ere,
For cuttin' down the pulpwood.
Oh, we're off to take a trip,
We've different destinations;
We all belong to Bonavist' Nart,
And we're waiting at Gambo Station.
I belong to Wesleyville,
I'm goin' to New Yark City;
But while I'm waitin' fer de train,
I'll join ya in yer ditty.
Oh, we're off to take a trip,
We've different destinations;
We all belong to Bonavist' Nart,
And we're waiting at Gambo Station.
Pool's Island, that is my 'ometown,
'Tis across from Badger's Quay;
Went fishin' when I wus a boy,
'Twas a curtail' share dee gived me.
Oh, we're off to take a trip,
We've different destinations;
We all belong to Bonavist' Nart,
And we're waiting at Gambo Station.
I come from the Island, b'ys,
Mine's call Silver Hair Fox;
What clothes I couldn't get in me bag,
I had t' put in me box.
Oh, we're off to take a trip,
We've different destinations;
We all belong to Bonavist' Nart,
And we're waiting at Gambo Station.
I'm from de Islands, too, me son,
Dat gert big one named Greenspond;
Got t' see the doctor in S'in' John's,
But I'll join ees in yer song.
Oh, we're off to take a trip,
We've different destinations;
We all belong to Bonavist' Nart,
And we're waiting at Gambo Station.
Newtown, it is my hometown,
About sixty miles from Gambo;
I'm teaching in a little place,
That's not too far from Dildo.
Oh, we're off to take a trip,
We've different destinations;
We all belong to Bonavist' Nart,
And we're waiting at Gambo Station.
Valleyfield and Safe Harbour,
Das where we two brudders dwell;
We're lookin' fer work in Carner Brook,
And we're hopin' to do well.
Oh, we're off to take a trip,
We've different destinations;
We all belong to Bonavist' Nart,
And we're waiting at Gambo Station.
Pound Cove is where I come from,
'Tis 'tween Wesleyville and Newtown;
Got t' go S'in' John's in service now,
And I'm feeling mighty down.
Oh, we're off to take a trip,
We've different destinations;
We all belong to Bonavist' Nart,
And we're waiting at Gambo Station.
'Ark! 'Ark! I 'ears de train me dears,
Pick up yer t'ings and 'urry;
We'll sing fer you again sometime,
When we're not in such a flurry.
Oh, we're off to take a trip,
We've different destinations;
We all belong to Bonavist' Nart,
And we're waiting at Gambo Station.
From the Dictionary Of Newfoundland English:
Swile - seal.
Note: Gambo is located about 40 kilometres southeast of Gander in northeast Newfoundland and is the birthplace of Joey Smallwood, the first premier of Newfoundland (1949-1972).
