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When I First Stepped in a Canoe

from Roseberry Road by Shelley Posen

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© 2003 Shelley Posen Well Done Music BMI
To download PDF lyric sheets and credits visit: shelleyposen.com/lyrics/

lyrics

When I first stepped in a canoe
I made a fatal mistake
I planted my heel one side of the keel
And pitched head-first in the lake
I had no reason to think
It would tip before you could blink
And take all your talents for
Keeping your balance or
Else you’d land in the drink
Which is what I proceeded to do
When I first stepped in a canoe.

When I first soloed in a canoe
It took me a while to learn
That you sit in the bow (though I didn’t know how
You could tell the damn thing from the stern)
I paddled the rest of the day
In circles and growing dismay
I hadn’t a clue
That to steer the thing true
Your stroke had to end with a ‘J’
Which no one had taught me to do
When I first soloed in a canoe.

When I first kneel in a canoe
I paddle with languorous grace
But it’s all a mirage when you have to portage
With blackflies eating your face
As I stagger off into the trees
At least I am off of my knees
Which I haven’t quite felt
Since the minute I knelt
And my kneecaps turned into cheese
Which is what they instantly do
When I first kneel in a canoe.

Now, the best thing about a canoe
May be just what it is not
Like loud and aggressive and big and excessive
Like a ski boat or millionaire's yacht
It's at home on lake, stream, or chute
It won't harm a beaver or coot
It may take some labour
But like a good neighbour
It won't make noise or pollute
So when asked if you want a Sea Doo
Say, “Thanks, but I'd rather canoe.”

Now it’s time to skedaddle
(God, I wish these had a saddle)
And paddle off in my canoe.

credits

from Roseberry Road, released January 1, 2014
bass, mandolin: Trevor Mills; guitar: Shelley Posen; banjo: Paul Mills; violin: Anne Lindsay

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Shelley Posen Ottawa, Ontario

SHELLEY POSEN is a Canadian songwriter and performer of his own and traditional songs. He writes in many styles and on many subjects. His songs are widely recognized for their wit, craftsmanship, and the profound effect many seem to have on listeners.

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