Fifteen Miles On The Erie Canal Lyrics

Ever heard that catchy tune about the Erie Canal? You know, the one that gets stuck in your head for days?

It's not just a simple ditty. There's a story behind those fifteen miles!

A Mule, A Girl, and a Canal

At its heart, "Fifteen Miles on the Erie Canal" is a love song to a waterway and the hard-working folks who made it hum.

Think about it: canals weren't exactly built with ease. It involved lots of mules, and people navigating them.

But who's this Erie Canal sweetheart, and why are we heading fifteen miles down it?

The Tale of Sal

The most memorable character is undoubtedly Sal, the mule. She's not just any mule, she's a star.

She pulls that barge with pride, through locks and under bridges. She's the backbone of the operation!

Imagine Sal as the workhorse of the Erie Canal, a metaphor for all of the animals that toiled.

Low Bridge, Everybody Down!

One of the most iconic lines is "Low bridge, everybody down!" Why all the ducking?

Well, the Erie Canal wasn't exactly built for yachts. Some bridges were quite low.

It's a humorous reminder of the canal's practical, sometimes clumsy, nature.

More Than Just a Song: A Piece of History

The Erie Canal was a game-changer for New York and the entire country.

It connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, opening up trade and transforming the American landscape.

The song isn't just entertainment; it's a snapshot of a pivotal moment in American history.

The Lyrics: A Closer Look

Let's peek behind the curtain of some lyrics that are important.

From references to towns along the canal to depictions of work, it’s Americana in its finest form.

Here are some lyrical highlights:

“I've got a good old mule and her name is Sal,
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal,
She's a good old worker and a good old pal,
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal.”

This immediately sets the scene and introduces our main animal character. She's also an important companion.

“We hauled some barges in the day,
Filled with lumber, coal, and hay,
And every inch of the way we know,
From Albany to Buffalo!”

This verse details the various goods that would pass through. Imagine the variety of commodities transported!

A Lasting Legacy

The song "Fifteen Miles on the Erie Canal" has stood the test of time.

It reminds us of the ingenuity, hard work, and maybe a touch of absurdity that built America. The story of the Erie Canal is the story of the United States!

So next time you hear that catchy tune, remember Sal, those low bridges, and the spirit of a nation on the move.