The duo started performing together in Toronto in 1959. By 1962, they were living in New York City, where they caught the attention of manager Albert Grossman, who managed Peter, Paul and Mary and would soon become Bob Dylan's manager. Grossman secured them a contract with Vanguard Records and they released their first album late in the year.
Four Strong Winds, their second album, featured title song "Four Strong Winds", written by Ian Tyson. "Four Strong Winds" was a major hit in Canada and ensured their stardom. Years later, the song was named as the greatest Canadian song of all time by the CBC-Radio program 50 Tracks: The Canadian Version.
Their third album, Northern Journey, featured the song "Someday Soon", a composition by Ian Tyson that would rival "Four Strong Winds" in its popularity.
Their fourth album, Early Morning Rain, introduced the work of the couple's fellow Canadian songwriter and performer Gordon Lightfoot through the title song and "(That's What You Get) For Lovin' Me".
In 1969, Ian & Sylvia formed the country rock group Great Speckled Bird.
By 1975, Ian & Sylvia had stopped performing together and soon afterwards were divorced.
In 1992, they were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
In 1994, they were both made Members of the Order of Canada.
Satisfied
Ian & Sylvia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"If I had his money, I could do things my way?"
Little they know that it's so hard to find
One rich man in ten with a satisfied mind.
Once I was winning in fortune and fame
Everything that I dreamed for to get a start in life's game
Suddenly it happened, I lost every dime
Money can't buy back your youth when you're old
Or a friend when you're lonely, or a love that's grown cold
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind
When my life is ended, my time has run out
My trials and my loved ones, I'll leave them no doubt
But one thing's for certain, when it comes my time
I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind
I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind
The song "Satisfied" by Ian and Sylvia is an ode to contentment and happiness that can't be found through material possessions. The song begins by questioning the notion that having money is the key to happiness. The lyrics explain that it is rare to find a rich man who is satisfied with his life. The song then goes on to explain that the singer used to have a lot of money and fame but lost everything. Despite this setback, the singer is happier than ever and considers himself rich due to his contentment.
The chorus of the song explains that money can't buy back what is truly important in life. It can't bring back youth, restore lost friendships, or rekindle a cold love. The song emphasizes that the wealthier person is not necessarily the happiest. The person with a satisfied mind, regardless of financial status, is the richest of them all.
The final verse of the song is about death and the inevitable end of life. The singer is at peace knowing that when their time comes, they will leave this world with a satisfied mind. The song is a reminder that it is possible to find true happiness and contentment without money or material possessions.
Line by Line Meaning
How many times have you heard someone say
The song starts with a question, asking the listeners how many times they have heard someone say that they could do things their way if they had a lot of money.
"If I had his money, I could do things my way?"
This line refers to people wanting to have someone else's money to live their life on their own terms.
Little they know that it's so hard to find
The singer says that these people do not know that finding a rich man who is content with his life is rare.
One rich man in ten with a satisfied mind.
Out of every ten wealthy people, only one has a satisfied mind, according to the singer.
Once I was winning in fortune and fame
The singer says that there was a time when they were successful and had everything that they had ever dreamed of.
Everything that I dreamed for to get a start in life's game
The singer had everything they wanted to begin their journey in life.
Suddenly it happened, I lost every dime
However, everything changed suddenly, and the singer lost all their money.
But I'm richer by far with a satisfied mind
Despite losing all their money, the singer believes that they are wealthier because they have a contented mind.
Money can't buy back your youth when you're old
The singer says that no amount of money can make you young again when you're old.
Or a friend when you're lonely, or a love that's grown cold
Money cannot give you a friend when you're lonely or bring back love that has gone cold.
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times
Even the richest of people can feel poor at times, according to the singer.
Compared to the man with a satisfied mind
However, a man with a satisfied mind is richer than the wealthiest person, according to the singer.
When my life is ended, my time has run out
The singer speaks about the inevitable end of their life.
My trials and my loved ones, I'll leave them no doubt
When the singer dies, they want their trials and loved ones to be clear on their beliefs.
But one thing's for certain, when it comes my time
Regardless of anything else, the singer knows one thing for sure.
I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind
The singer will leave this world feeling satisfied and fulfilled.
I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind
The song ends on this note, reinforcing the idea that having a contented mind is more valuable than anything else.
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Red Hays, Jack Rhodes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dianne Simmons
on Ella Speed
Those are the lyrics on the CD I have of Ian & Sylvia's greatest hits. What are yours?
Lee Middleton
on Rocks And Gravel
Did no one bother to see if the lyrics match what they are singing? These are the entirely wrong lyrics. I know every Ian and Sylvia song and I don't know these lyrics.
Cindy Cornell
on Summer Wages
The Creators of Rain
Maybe written by Smokey and His Sister, (released 1967)
Also released by Ian and Sylvia
In the beginning, land was stained
Washed by the sun, desert, and plains
Then the Creators of the Land created rain
I was that barren, wasted land
I was too weak to stand
Then the Creators of Rain created you
High on a mountain growing bare
Land was plenty, trees were rare
Then the Creators of the Rain created air
I was that mountain growing bare
My life was empty, nothing there
Then the Creators of Air created you
There would be no land, no seas
No clouds, no trees for me without you
Life had forgot the caring of
Dreams that were lost to fade above
Then the Creators of Rain created love
I was that dream that love had made
To search in endless hope and faith
Then the Creators of Love created you
Created you, Created you
For me.