The Chicago-born singer-songwriter, was discovered by Kris Kristofferson. He collaborated with close friend John Prine throughout his career. His superb guitar ability (honed at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music) and creative songwriting ability led him to success in the 1970s folk scene. Often funny, sometimes heartbreaking, always unpredictable, Steve Goodman was the consummate performer whether in a small Chicago venue, Austin City Limits, or opening for Steve Martin (and often stealing the show!). Steve is probably best known for his song "City of New Orleans", which was later covered by Arlo Guthrie among others. He has also been covered by Jimmy Buffett and many others. Steve was the ultimate suffering Chicago Cub fan, writing the songs "Go, Cubs, Go" and the unfortunately very true "A Dying Cub Fans Last Request".
Steve's life was cut short in 1984 by leukemia, but fortunately an extensive catalog remains, including the recently released, "Live at the Earl" as well as the DVD "Steve Goodman Live at Austin City Limits and More."
Grand Canyon Song
Steve Goodman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Carved the walls of Grand Canyon
With the colors of the risin' sun
And paint a picture of the Promised Land
In that limestone rock and sand
Run come see what this river has done
Won't somebody walk with me?
Turnin' back that clock for heaven's sake
One hundred years with every step you take
Won't somebody come and walk with me?
There's a rainbow 'round the moon
And that mornin' fog will roll in soon
It's so beautiful it takes your breath
Gets so quiet that I'm scared to death
Every time I see that rainbow around the moon
Such a beautiful mystery
Tell me who will save it for our posterity?
Because no man has a mortgage or a lease
On Mother Nature's masterpiece
Hey, now it's up to you and me
Run come see what this river has done
Carved the walls of Grand Canyon
With the colors of the risin' sun
Maybe someday the folks we elect
Will show this land a little more respect
If they could run come see what this river has done
In Steve Goodman's song "Grand Canyon Song," the singer is inviting someone to come and see what the Colorado River has done in the Grand Canyon. The river has carved the walls of the Grand Canyon and painted it with the colors of the rising sun, creating a beautiful picture of the "Promised Land". The singer invites someone to come and walk with him to experience the river's legacy, to turn back the clock and witness the beauty of a hundred years with every step.
The rainbow around the moon and the morning fog creates a beautiful mystery that takes your breath away. However, the singer is scared to death of the silence that follows. He wonders who will save this beautiful masterpiece for posterity as no one has a mortgage or a lease on Mother Nature's creations. The song concludes with the singer hoping that maybe someday, the people we elect will show more respect to this land and come to see what the river has done.
Line by Line Meaning
Run come see what this river has done
The river has created the beautiful Grand Canyon and everyone should come and see it.
Carved the walls of Grand Canyon
The river has carved out the walls of the Grand Canyon, giving it its unique look.
With the colors of the risin' sun
The Grand Canyon has beautiful colors that are similar to those seen during sunrise.
And paint a picture of the Promised Land
The Grand Canyon is like a picture of the Promised Land and a beautiful natural wonder.
In that limestone rock and sand
The Grand Canyon is made up of limestone rock and sand, making it a unique geological feature.
Won't somebody walk with me?
The singer wants someone to walk with him and enjoy the beauty of the Grand Canyon together.
We'd go strollin' past the Colorado River's sweet legacy
The singer wants to walk along the Colorado River, which has created the Grand Canyon, to appreciate its legacy.
Turnin' back that clock for heaven's sake
The artist wants to feel like they are traveling back in time when appreciating the beauty of the Grand Canyon.
One hundred years with every step you take
Every step taken in the Grand Canyon feels like traveling back in time a hundred years ago.
There's a rainbow 'round the moon
Nature in the Grand Canyon is beautiful and amazing, like the rainbow surrounding the moon.
And that mornin' fog will roll in soon
The Grand Canyon experiences beautiful morning fog that adds to its beauty.
It's so beautiful it takes your breath
The Grand Canyon is so breathtakingly beautiful that it can leave one breathless.
Gets so quiet that I'm scared to death
The Grand Canyon can be so quiet and peaceful that it can be a little frightening.
Every time I see that rainbow around the moon
The singer is still amazed and in awe of the beauty of nature in the Grand Canyon.
Such a beautiful mystery
The beauty of the Grand Canyon is like a mystery that is waiting to be solved.
Tell me who will save it for our posterity?
The artist wonders who will preserve and save the beauty and legacy of the Grand Canyon for future generations.
Because no man has a mortgage or a lease
No one person has ownership or control over the beauty of nature, such as the Grand Canyon.
On Mother Nature's masterpiece
Nature is the true artist and the Grand Canyon is one of its masterpieces.
Hey, now it's up to you and me
It is up to everyone, including the singer and the listener, to preserve and protect the beauty of the Grand Canyon.
Maybe someday the folks we elect
The artist hopes that the people they elect will treat the Grand Canyon with more respect.
Will show this land a little more respect
The artist hopes that those elected to represent the people will take better care of the Grand Canyon and its natural beauty.
If they could run come see what this river has done
The artist thinks if those in power could see the beauty of the Grand Canyon, they would work harder to protect it.
Contributed by Jake F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.