A contemporary folk song on guitar, mandolin, and accordion with an environmental theme surrounding the Grand River in Michigan (USA).
Commercial uses of this track are NOT allowed
Adaptations of this track are NOT allowed to be shared
You must attribute the work in the manner specified by the artist
In 1996 I was teaching a course in conservation and sustainable development at Grand Valley State University. I got my students involved in a local initiative (The Grand River Greenway) to protect the natural habitat and water quality of the nearby Grand River, while providing recreational access and easing landowners' concerns over preserving their private property rights. So I wrote this song sometime later, partially as a statement of the contemporary situation, partly as a recounting of the area's history, and importantly as an expression of admonishment and hope for the future.
Grand River Greenway
The great Grand River, flows across the state
Carrying fresh water, off to our great lake
Let us think about it, before it’s far too late
In quality of life, everyone has got a stake
And I hope we’re not too late, to save the day
If we’ll listen to each other, we’ll find a way
Have you heard about the Grand River Greenway
Let us hope we’re not too late, to save the day
Long before us, native people hunted these lands
Then a wave of pioneers, cut down all the stands
Later settlers, farmed it with their hands
Now the river’s silted up, and the mouth is full of sands
And I hope we’re not too late, to save the day
If we’ll listen to each other, we’ll find a way
Have you heard about the Grand River Greenway
Let us hope we’re not too late, to save the day
Clean water, natural lands, these could be our goals
A refuge for the wildlife, and comfort for our souls
For our children’s children, there’s something we must say
That it’s never too late, to save the day
No it’s never too late…to save the day!