Two Acres

For forty years, I introduced myself to my students as having been raised in the center of the universe. When asked where that was, I had them guess. Some named their hometowns, while others focused on large cities like Toronto or New York. We often had fun identifying the key characteristics of each of these places. I think this helped us understand each city's diversity. Eventually, I would acquiesce and name my hometown—Chelmsford.

This is a nostalgic look at that wonderful place. It begins by sketching its beginnings, then highlights its main areas of commerce. The song concludes with a few personal anecdotes.

Lyrics

Verse 1
They followed the billows from a train
Long before a mighty highway came
And in between those years
They shed many tears
When called up to fight a war again

Verse 2
Settled in a chokecherry pasture
Nestled on an Anishnawbek plain
They farmed in the clay
And mined along the way
For a place they were proud to call their own.

Chorus
That’s the hometown I remember
That’s the hometown I love
Two acres of land
A place to take a stand
Raise a family with a plan to prosper

Bridge
There’s an empty lot next door
Room to press our games of conquer
You and I were there
With bruises, unaware
Imagining trophies of our own.

Verse 3
I hear the bells of St. Joseph
On the steps of a downtown jewelry store
I still see that lady finger-picking
On a sandy Whitson River shore

Chorus (x2)
That’s the hometown I remember
That’s the hometown I love
Two acres of land
And a place to take a stand
Raise a family with a plan to prosper

Two Acres ©️2024