His song "Cold Missouri Waters", about the Mann Gulch fire of 1949, was covered by the band Cry Cry Cry in 1998. His songs have also been covered by folk luminaries such as Roy Bailley and Garnet Rogers.
Keelaghan studied history at the University of Calgary and notes that two of his influences there were Drs. Margaret J. Osler and Siverman.
With international popularity from Australia to England, James Keelaghan plays a wide variety of venues from large festivals and concert halls to intimate folk clubs venues and often invites the audience for a beer after his performance.
Frequent guest musicians on his albums include Stephen Fearing, Oscar Lopez and members of Spirit of the West. His latest CD, A Few Simple Verses (2006), is a return to his roots with covers of traditional songs and old favourites. Guests include Danú, Veda Hille, James Fagan and Nancy Kerr.
HOLD YOUR GROUND
James Keelaghan Lyrics
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Some pithy little saying that contained a grain of truth
If patience is a virtue, persistence is its mark
It's better light a candle than stand and curse the dark
But if we stand together we might turn this world around
Hold your ground
In the corridors of power where our voice is seldom heard
The status quo is what they want, they can get it with a word
To notify the ship of state to bring its course about
But if we pull together we might turn this ship around
Hold your ground
Oh, this world is changing
Spinning out through space and time
Oh, it's rearranging
All the things we thought were yours and mine
You've got to hold your ground
Hold your ground
Hold your ground
Sometimes it seems the motion is strictly retrograde
There are so many reversals of advances that you've made
The things you thought were changing have shuddered to a halt
But if we stand together we might turn this world around
Hold your ground
Hold your ground
Hold your ground
It isn't for the faint of heart to bet when the odds are long
And neither is it easy to be right in face of wring
You must proceed from strength to strength, although the road is rough
And sometimes human courage just isn't quite enough
But if we stand together we might turn this world around
Hold your ground
Hold your ground
Hold your ground
Oh this world is changing
James Keelaghan's song Hold Your Ground speaks to perseverance in the face of adversity, and the power of collective action to enact change. The song is a call to arms for those who feel helpless against the "corridors of power," where "the status quo is what they want, they can get it with a word." Keelaghan recognizes the difficulty of fighting against a system that often seems unresponsive to the needs of the people, acknowledging that "sometimes it seems the motion is strictly retrograde" and "the things you thought were changing have shuddered to a halt." However, he urges listeners to "hold your ground," to persevere even when it seems like progress is impossible.
The song emphasizes the importance of strength and courage in difficult times, stating that "you must proceed from strength to strength, although the road is rough / and sometimes human courage just isn't quite enough." However, Keelaghan also highlights the power of collective action, noting that "if we pull together we might turn this ship around," emphasizing that change is perhaps more achievable when those seeking it band together in common cause. Ultimately, Hold Your Ground is a song of hope and empowerment, encouraging listeners to continue fighting for a better world even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere inside my soul there is an echo of my youth
Deep down within me, I can feel a sense of nostalgia from my early days
Some pithy little saying that contained a grain of truth
There's a wise, brief quote I remember which holds a small bit of reality
If patience is a virtue, persistence is its mark
While waiting calmly is admirable, tenacity demonstrates its fullest effect
It's better light a candle than stand and curse the dark
It's more productive to take action than complain without solutions
But if we stand together we might turn this world around
Collectively, we could potentially make a substantial positive transformation
Hold your ground
Remain steadfast and resolute in your convictions
In the corridors of power where our voice is seldom heard
Within influential spheres where common voices are ignored
The status quo is what they want, they can get it with a word
They prefer the current structure and can easily maintain it with a decree
For us it takes a thousand voices, a million angry shouts
It requires a multitude of people working together and expressing themselves strongly
To notify the ship of state to bring its course about
To inform the government of their errors and persuade them to change course
Oh, this world is changing
The globe is evolving and transforming
Spinning out through space and time
Rotating forward amidst the vastness of existence
Oh, it's rearranging
Oh, it's reorganizing itself
All the things we thought were yours and mine
All possessions and ideas we deemed personal and separate
Sometimes it seems the motion is strictly retrograde
The direction appears to be backward and regressive
There are so many reversals of advances that you've made
Many progresses attained are now being negated
The things you thought were changing have shuddered to a halt
The issues which were actively being addressed have suddenly stopped
It isn't for the faint of heart to bet when the odds are long
Gambling against unfavorable odds takes courage and strength
And neither is it easy to be right in face of wring
It's not simple to be correct when challenged by opposition and when it seems to be the wrong decision
You must proceed from strength to strength, although the road is rough
You must continue forging ahead from your strong points even if the path is tough
And sometimes human courage just isn't quite enough
Occasionally, man's bravery and spirit aren't sufficient on their own
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: KEELAGHAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tim Lindamood
on Honore
He whispered, "Riel.". A reference to Louis Riel, with whom he and other Metis fought in the Red River Rebellion.