This was written and performed at the Boston Folk Festival by a fellow SAMW (Summer Acoustic Music Week) student.
It is a week of music and joy that I now participate in every summer. It's amazing how many people share our (JWD) thoughts.
No Toll In Canaan
I tried to walk the straight and narrow
On a road both crooked and wide
Hoping to make it to the river Jordan
So I could cross over to the other side
But the way was blocked by the righteous few
Who tried to tell me what to do
Demanding fees to let me through
But there ain’t no toll in Canaan
There ain’t no map, ain’t no plan
We make our way the best we can
There’s no one path to the promised land
And there ain’t no toll in Canaan
I watch them marching into battle
Trumpets sounding, banners unfurled
Claiming the mantle of a pious nation
Bringing the gospel to a heathen world
I stood to protest, mourn, and speak
They said my choices made me weak
I tried to turn the other cheek
‘cause there ain’t no toll in Canaan
There ain’t no map, ain’t no plan
We make our way the best we can
There’s no one path to the promised land
And there ain’t no toll in Canaan
From near and far the pilgrims gathered
Called by revelation and grace
Everyone traveled on a different journey
Seeking redemption in a common place
And some who prophesy and pray
Insist there’s only one true way
But it’s getting clearer every day
That there ain’t no toll in Canaan
There ain’t no map, ain’t no plan
We make our way the best we can
There’s no one path to the promised land
And there ain’t no toll in Canaan
There ain’t no map, ain’t no plan
We make our way the best we can
There’s no one path to the promised land
And there ain’t no toll in Canaan
And there ain't no toll in Canann
© Beth DeSombre 2006
.....no toll.......no toll