A pure concept song, and yes, it’s a bit of a commitment at close to seven minutes. Unheard of, you say?
It’s based on a a fever dream, a long drive through some northern woods, and a stop at a mysterious roadside tavern. As the night progresses we fall under the spell of the Maple Tavern, the place where poets gather ’til the end of time. Some famous Canadian songwriters may even stop by…
Maple Tavern
copyright 2020 Steve Smith (SOCAN)
Must have been driving for hours, I hadn’t seen a soul
From somewhere behind me, I heard the thunder roll
Boreal forest surrounds me as I crest the hill
The storm is approaching and I feel the chill
A weathered sign on the roadside, “Live music all year”
“Where the poets gather, great food, cold beer”
This place is really hopping, I strain to see through the smoke
The speakers emanating, a mix of Blues and Folk
I make my way through the laughter, as I scope out the place
A man turns on his barstool, a familiar face
A face from my childhood, a face from the past
He tips his hat towards me as he raises a glass
He says..
Chorus
Come on up to the Maple Tavern
Make your way through the spruce and pine
If you find your way to the Maple Tavern
The beer is cold and the whiskies fine
They don’t take cash at the Maple Tavern
Your bill is paid with verse and rhyme
There’s always music at the Maple Tavern
Where poets gather till the end of time
I give the waitress a smile, and say “whats good tonight”?
She rolls her eyes slowly, says “it depends what you write”
She didn’t bring me a menu, just a notebook and pen
“A page will get you a drink hon, a steak ‘ll cost you ten”
I was thirsty and hungry, so I started to write
Soon the words started flowing like, ink to the night
On stage a tall man is singing, in a gravely voice
Said he was “born-like- this”, said he “had no choice”
As he finished his song, amidst the roar of applause
The drummer ramps up the rhythm, as the singer withdraws
The waitress brings me the first one, and she gives me a smile
She said “your payments approved, be sure to stay for while”
She says…
Chorus
I’ve had more than a couple, and the band is on fire
As the smoke flows freely, and inspiration gets higher
A glance into the mirror and a playful grin
Timed to the crack of a snare drum, a discussion begins
I said “this place is amazing” I can’t help but agree
“Not sure I found the tavern, or if the tavern found me”
A softly rolling spotlight, reveals the hidden band
A star decaled drum kit, beside a baby grand
A man with his eyes closed at the end of the bar
In his fingers a steel pick, in his lap a guitar
The bald singer steps forward, the crowd begins to roar
I drift towards the stage, across the checkerboard floor
He sings…
Chorus