Near North Strong and Free

(James Downham, Mark Smith)

Wood lot, near-North, Ontario
Thermos, sandwich, and off they go
Sunlight through leaves; adolescent sweat
Boys who have not found themselves yet

You standing there - on that rock
Where when we were young we used to sit and talk
And burn our toys - just little boys
I remember that with a soft sort of poise

I don't remember things as they happen
Only as I want them to be
I'm well aware it's a piece of deceit
But... Hey... it looks better on me

Up in Algonquin Park
It's getting close to dark
And what do we have to show?

With rusted nails, Jesus Christ pose
From Wilson's fields, the threat arose
With heavy feet, they trudge along
Aware of death, they hear its song

It came with ease in that place
When we got older we would pick up the pace
We all make some mistakes
But in growing up, baby, that's what it takes

I don't remember things as they happen
Only as I want them to be
I'm well aware it's a piece of deceit
But . . . Hey . . . it looks better on me

Summer, we're sleeping in
Mumblings come creeping in
Who is he talking to now?

Breakfast entertainment  - He's running again!
It's loose in the garden  - He cornered it then!
Can't eat our veggies without a prayer for the dead!
Some people have TV, we have carnage instead

Childhood memories
More that just pleasantries
You can't leave your home

I don't remember things as they happen
Only as I want them to be
I'm well aware it's a piece of deceit
But . . . Hey . . . it looks better on me

Childhood memories
Wish they were fantasies
Look what they've made of me . . .

1) "Near North Strong and Free" (James Downham, Mark Smith)
2) "Affair" (Mark Smith)
3) "Not At All " (James Downham, Mark Smith)
4) "Little Birdy " (James Downham, Mark Smith)
5) "Before, During and After the Earthquake " (James Downham, Mark Smith)
6) "Storyteller" (Mark Smith)
7) "Now and Then" (Mark Smith)
8) "You and Me " (James Downham, Mark Smith)
9) "Broken" (James Downham, Mark Smith)
10) "Could It Be" (Mark Smith)
11) "Nancy Says I'm Dreaming " (James Downham, Mark Smith)
12) "Delicious" (James Downham, Mark Smith)
13) "Finish What We Start " (James Downham, Mark Smith)