From the recording Gold and Coal
Inspired by a Poem written by Pluck Marriot, published in The "Golden Era" (an influential satire magazine in mid-19th century San Francisco).
"Dear Imogene" is a tribute to those individuals whose pursuit of their dreams and aspirations lead them away from their loved ones.
We draw parallels in our own lives to the challenges we face in our quest to find and sustain success. akin to searching for metaphorical 'gold' “it’s heavy to get but it’s light to hold”. reminds us to treasure the good things in our lives, though the road might lead us away.
Music by :
Cassie Anne MacDonald SOCAN
Maggie Jane MacDonald SOCAN
Lyrics By:
Pluck Marriot “the Golden Era” 1862
Cassie Anne MacDonald SOCAN
Maggie Jane MacDonald SOCAN
Lyrics
You needn’t expect for sometime yet
To see me coming home, Imogene;
No need to frown or think I forgot
Nor turn to your sister, Jane and say
“Oh, how he has changed, since he went away
From his sweet little Imogene”.
Oh! You know I promised, when last we met
At the parlor door, Imogene,
I’d stay here a year, perhaps, and get,
What gold I could with a dozen men,
And come back with it all, to you again
My sweet little Imogene.
Oh, Dear Imogene
We’re Living Fast but it’s going by slow
It’s heavy to get but it’s light to hold
The more I find the further I go
From my sweet little Imogene
The hills they’re not all great lumps of gold,
As we pictured them, Imogene,
Nor do I find as we were told
There’s more than enough for everyman
But I'll keep working here as hard as I can
For my sweet little Imogene
My hands are so stiff I can scarcely write
This letter to you, Imogene
For I work these days with all my might,
Yet I can not tell as the months glide on,
How many more years I’ll be gone
From my sweet little Imogene.