Little Town By The Sea

Little Town By The Sea

In 2001, my husband and I moved from Ontario to Sidney, BC. We knew immediately after walking along Robert’s Bay together that we would grow old together in this little town. Kim had been through several years of cancer treatment and we moved west to fulfil our dream to live near the sea. 

From the very first day we arrived, we were welcomed by the kindness of locals on the peninsula. This song reflects the genuine love I have for this beautiful part of the world and my huge love for my husband of 35 years. 

I wrote the melody and lyrics while walking on Robert’s Bay. It came to me suddenly and I hurried home to try it out on guitar. My dear friend, Joey Smith, created an arrangement to showcase Richard Moody on violin. Several locals claim it as their ‘official song’ and I was recently asked to perform it for a friend’s husbands’ memorial service. I hope it resonates with people and brings them joy. 

I’m enormously grateful to live here on the peninsula! 

Song Lyrics

Little Town By The Sea

©

Yankee Doodle wants a state

Oregon or Texas 

Sends some squatters in it straight 

And quietly annexes.

Chorus:  Yankee Doodle, Doodle Do,

Yankee Doodle Dandy,

He can do the Britishers

And Mexicans so handy.

Canada’s a pleasant place,

So is California; 

Yankee Doodle wants them all

But first he cribs a corner.

General Cass he made a speech,

Archer called it splutter

He swore he’d tear the British Jack

And wipe it in the gutter.

Jabez Honan took an oath 

By the living Jingo

Cuba soon shall be our own

And so shall Saint Domingo

Yankee has some public works

Well he may parade them

English money paid for all

And -Irish labour made them

Then hey for Yankee Doodle’s luck

And for Annexation

Hey for Yankee Doodle’s pluck

And for Repudiation

Final chorus:  Yankee Doodle, Doodle Do

Yankee Doodle Dandy

And hey for Sherry Cobbler too 

Mint julep and peach brandy

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