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My Dear Old Fogo Isle

Last night I had the strangest dream I'll remember for a while
I dreamt that I was back in Grandpa's days on dear old Fogo Isle
The things I seen there in my dreams I cannot leave untold
As I gaze around what was once our town so many years ago

My Grandpa you see was the same age as me as we strolled around our town
Saw neighbors and friends all lending a hand but many no longer around.
It's clear to me that life was so free, just the land and the sea to toil
That's the way it's been way back then on dear old Fogo Isle

Tired fishermen each day came in from hauling their old cod traps
In stages at night by the kerosene splitting and salting their catch
The Shore(?) was afloat with motor boats and fish on the flakes to dry
That's the way it's been way back then on dear old Fogo Isle

The more I gazed I was really amazed at the simple days of old
No luxuries like phones and tvs or street lights on the poles
No skidoo's or trikes or electric lights or motor cars to drive
That's the way it's been way back then on dear old Fogo Isle

Down on the stage head some tom cods we'ed jig and swim there when the tides were right
The sea birds and seals often made meals and codfish a simple delight
By the rocky roads there were gardens in rows as horses and sheep ran wild
That's the way it's been way back then on dear old Fogo Isle

Our times back then little money to spend but contentment I had found
There was time to spare to share and to care you could see it all around
A proud mother hums her favorite song as she pins out her clothes to dry
That's the way it's been way back then on dear old Fogo Isle

The hall on the hill that now stands still, the square dance was on the way
Old skipper Jim with his tobacco stained chin sure made that accordion play
They danced and they sang till daylight came, their troubles all put aside
That's the way it's been way back then on dear old Fogo Isle

I woke in the morn so sad and forlorn my dream had faded away
I was glad to see how it used to be way back in them old days
If ever I frown on life in my town I'll stop and think for awhile
About the way it's been way back then on dear old Fogo Isle