David Thompson is possibly the most famous map-maker in what is now Canada. He worked for the fur trade companies doing surveying, trade missions, voyageur style fur running, and a whole pile of other neat things. After a life spent helping people and trying to keep the first nations people free of liquor, he died in poverty after helping European rich guys get richer.
The song is a mix of this history plus a personal reflection of how I feel David's spirit is inside everyone who explores in the mountains these days.
lyrics
Standing at the end of the line.
Where the maps can't shine a light
There are only the stars
And our line of sight.
Following the words of a guide
Through forests deep and the rivers wide
Following the voices inside.
Bound by the Company's call
To find a break in the endless wall
The passage West that will make us all
Following the footsteps
Calling on the past to light our way
The Heart of David Thompson
Beats within each one of us today.
Trying to do what is right
For the people here for their way of life
Try to keep the evil outside
Take the hand of a bride
Hold her close keep her by your side
Until you're called to the endless night
Die with a dime to your name
But the memory of your life remains
In the history that runs through this place
Following the footsteps
Calling on the past to light our way
The heart of David Thompson
Beats within each one of us
Who wanders in the mountains
Looking for a place to hide away
From all of the distractions
We face in all our day to day.
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