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The Legend Of Bobby Bird (Art Bergmann Cover)

by Great Lake Swimmers

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Art Bergmann’s recent work proves that he is more essential now than ever, adding a vital new link in the chain of an already incredible song-writing career. As a long-time fans, we continue to be stunned and believe he is currently making some of his best work, and this important song, “The Legend Of Bobby Bird” highlights that.

To echo his words, “people should hear this song and they should just weep…and ask for forgiveness.”

Our version hopes to amplify that sentiment and help tell the story of Bobby Bird, adding to the voices calling for truth and reconciliation with Canada’s First Nations, with a hope to learn and continue the healing process from the atrocities of the residential school system.

Released via (weewerk).

lyrics

The Legend Of Bobby Bird

The story of Bobby Bird
Ni’hio, ten years old
One of those who never returned
from those schools where souls were burned

Bobby lies in the dark, thinking
How hard can it be
For a tough, trapline kid like me?
But its 200 kliks from the mighty town of La Ronge
Home through the brush
Saskatchewan

Cold and alone
Hear the wolves moan
For Bobby Bird
Go home Bobby Bird

It was late October when Bobby ran
From the kind of treatment, who could understand
They beat him every time he opened his mouth
They beat him on the back
For speakin’ his tongue
Ni’hio, Ni’hi yewup’kh

Cold and alone
Hear the wolves moan
For Bobby Bird
Come home Bobby Bird

When he was identified
With DNA from his mother’s side
With a white tail deer bone
The story was known

Not cold and alone
Hear the wolves moan
With Bobby Bird
Come home Bobby Bird

It took four days ‘fore the brothers
Sent someone lookin’
Another dead Indian, not surprisin’
Bobby didn’t think twice
When he heard that truck on the road
He jumped that ditch
Into the woods he strode

Not cold and alone
Hear the wolves moan
For Bobby Bird
Come home Bobby Bird

You can deny it was genocide
But the curse of this land still resides
In those vanished kids and their photo smiles

Never to return
With Bobby Bird
Come home Bobby Bird
Not cold and alone
Hear the wolves moan

credits

released October 14, 2022
Tony Dekker - vocals, guitars, bass
Grace Snippe - cello
Joshua Van Tassel - drums, synths, therevox

Co-produced by T. Dekker and Joe Lapinski.
Engineered by Joe Lapinski and Joshua Van Tassel.
Mixed and mastered by Joe Lapinski (Wow Sound).

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all rights reserved

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Great Lake Swimmers Toronto, Ontario

Tony Dekker’s music spans two decades as the lead singer and songwriter of Great Lake Swimmers. Over eight albums, multiple EPs, live shows and reissues, the Toronto-based group with a revolving cast of players has established itself as a beloved indie folk act in their native Canada and beyond. Great Lake Swimmers was shortlisted for the Polaris Prize and nominated twice for the Juno Awards. ... more

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