The Barra MacNeils live concert experience brings so much more to the stage than most live acts ever can. Multiple lead vocalists, beautiful sibling harmonies, top drawer instrumental prowess on a wide variety of acoustic, stringed, percussion and wind instruments, dancing, storytelling, Gaelic songs and a journey through an ancient culture. Family entertainment at its highest level.
Steeped in Cape Breton tradition with strong Celtic roots and musical artistry, this diverse and talented family group continues to wow audiences around the world with their captivating vocals, harmonies and extraordinary musicianship.
Multi-award winners, the Barra MacNeils have released numerous recordings including, Racket In the Attic (2002), Christmas Album (1999), Until Now (1997), The Question (1995), The Traditional Album (1994), Closer to Paradise (1993 - Certified Gold in Canada), Timeframe (1990), Rock in the Stream (1989), The Barra MacNeils (1986). In 2001, they released a DVD titled Cape Breton Christmas incorporating music from their live Christmas Concert Special (as seen on television), plus a visit to Cape Breton, interviews with the Barra MacNeils home at Christmas and music videos.
Canada's Celtic ambassadors, the Barra MacNeils continue to perform to sold out audiences throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. From headlining major festivals, concerts, special guest appearances (Rita MacNeils CTV Christmas Special, performing with The Chieftains) television specials, film and television placement (Men
with Brooms Soundtrack; Racket In The Attic) and their annual Christmas tour, they have set the course with a solid foundation for success. The Barra MacNeils one-hour Christmas Television Special (2000) continues to be broadcast on Country Music Television (CMT) and on the Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) network in the United States.
The Barra MacNeils will continue to do what they love to do best, and that is playing their music for the fans. This incredibly talented family group will tour Canada, the US and Europe to spread their distinctive brand of Celtic flavour around the world.
Caledonia
The Barra MacNeils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't know if you can see
The changes that have come over me
In these last few days I've been afraid
That I might drift away
So I've been telling old stories, singing songs
That make me think about where I came from
So far away today
Oh, but let me tell you that I love you
That I think about you all the time
Caledonia you're calling me
And now I'm going home
If I should become a stranger
You know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything
I've ever had
Now I have moved and I've kept on moving
Proved the points that I needed proving
Lost the friends that I needed losing
Found others on the way
I have kissed the ladies and left them crying
Stolen dreams, yes there's no denying
I have traveled hard with coattails flying
Somewhere in the wind
Now I'm sitting here before the fire
The empty room, the forest choir
The flames that could not get any higher
They've withered now they've gone
But I'm steady thinking my way is clear
And I know what I will do tomorrow
When the hands are shaken and the kisses flow
Then I will disappear
The Barra MacNeils's song, Caledonia, is a heartfelt tribute to one's homeland. The singer in the song is reflecting on the changes he has undergone in the past few days, and he is afraid that he might start losing touch with his roots. In order to prevent this from happening, he has been telling old stories and singing songs that remind him of where he came from. He feels like he is far away from his homeland, but the memories and love he has for it keep pulling him back. The singer declares his love for Caledonia and confesses that he thinks about it all the time. In this sense, Caledonia serves as a metaphor for the singer's sense of belonging and identity.
The second part of the song reveals that the singer has moved away from Caledonia and has traveled a lot. He has been trying to prove his points and has lost some friends along the way. He has also had his fair share of romantic encounters and adventures. However, despite all this, Caledonia has remained the most important thing in his life. The singer is now sitting before a fire, reflecting on his past and contemplating his future. He has a clear idea of what he wants to do, and he intends to follow through with his plans. The song ends on a hopeful note with the promise of a new beginning.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know if you can see
I'm not sure if you've noticed
The changes that have come over me
I've been going through some transformations
In these last few days I've been afraid
Recently, I've been scared
That I might drift away
That I might lose myself
So I've been telling old stories, singing songs
To ground myself, I've been reminiscing and singing
That make me think about where I came from
About my roots
And that's the reason why I seem
Which is why I might appear distant
So far away today
Today, even though I'm here, I'm far away
Oh, but let me tell you that I love you
Despite all this, I love you
That I think about you all the time
I think about you a lot
Caledonia you're calling me
My home, Caledonia, is calling out to me
And now I'm going home
I'm finally heading back to where I belong
If I should become a stranger
If I become a stranger to you
You know that it would make me more than sad
It would make me incredibly unhappy
Caledonia's been everything
My home, Caledonia, has been all that
I've ever had
I've ever known or possessed
Now I have moved and I've kept on moving
I've moved around a lot and continue to do so
Proved the points that I needed proving
To prove things to myself
Lost the friends that I needed losing
To leave negative people behind
Found others on the way
And found new people along the way
I have kissed the ladies and left them crying
I've had romantic relationships that didn't end well
Stolen dreams, yes there's no denying
I've taken opportunities from others
I have traveled hard with coattails flying
I've traveled vigorously, making the most of my opportunities
Somewhere in the wind
Unknown, maybe even forgotten
Now I'm sitting here before the fire
Now, I'm relaxing in front of the fireplace
The empty room, the forest choir
In a calm and empty space, listening to the sounds of nature
The flames that could not get any higher
The fire that wasn't very big to begin with has died out
They've withered now they've gone
Its embers have died out
But I'm steady thinking my way is clear
Despite all this, I have a clear path in mind
And I know what I will do tomorrow
I know what I will do in the future
When the hands are shaken and the kisses flow
When people say goodbye and show affection
Then I will disappear
I will leave and move on to my next adventure
Writer(s): Douglas Menzies Maclean
Contributed by Alexandra R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Cocorose
on Row Row Row
I’m looking for the chorus lyrics to Row Row Row by the Barra Macneils.