Rob Hollett
After researching the details of Tom Thompsons life for three years, Rob was still struggling for a story line. Finally after leaving aside the controversies of Thompson's death, he created this song to celebrate the many paintings which in the end, truly depict the ever changing seasons of Algonquin.
1. It must be winter…
White expanse reaching for the distance.
Green and orange dot the plain
Great clouds they billow overhead.
I sense the stillness, I sense the pain
Chorus:
Smile across this lake
See what’s there to see
Smile along with all that’s there
There’s so much to feel and see
2. It, must be spring…
Flushing Aspen hug each shoreline.
Vibrant pines can only flash their green.
Hand cut logs floating down the rivers.
Early flowers popping forth, they must be seen.
Chorus:
Sing with fling birds
Their flying songs are free
Sing along with all that’s there
There’s so much to hear and see.
3. It must be summer…
Canvas tents and canoes along the shoreline.
White stands of birch aline calm lakes.
White and Jack pine call with a windswept whisper.
Bare, granite rocks complete these northern scapes
4. It must be autumn…
This magic takes hold of your brush.
Hillsides scream of ochre, white and green
A season where waters can’t be calm
Trees, lakes, rocks must be felt and not just seen
Chorus:
Smile across this lake
Collect what you can see
Taste the waters
And feel the trees
5. It must be Algonquin…
My northern forest home
In a time of early untouched grace
Explore the many gifts you gave
How many times has your smile, touched this face?
The seasons of this place