“I’ve Been Everywhere” was written by Australian country singer Geoff Mack in 1959, and made popular by Lucky Starr in 1962. Over the years, it has been adapted numerous times by several artists including this spectacular version by Canadian Hank Snow using American places (see video below).
We thought it might be fun to have an East Lothian version and have posted some alternative lyrics below – can you keep up with Hank?
I was totin’ my pack along the dusty Merryhatton road
When along came a semi with a high and canvas covered load
“If you’re going to Merryhatton, Mack, with me you can ride”
So I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside
He asked me if I’d seen a road with so much dust and sand
And I said, “Listen, bud I’ve travelled every road in this here land”
I’ve been everywhere, man
I’ve been everywhere, man
Across the deserts bare, man
I’ve breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I’ve had my share, man
I’ve been everywhere
I’ve been to
1.
Wallyford, Musselburgh, Dunbar, Ormiston,
North Berwick, East Linton, West Barns, West Fenton,
Inveresk, Carberry, Aberlady, Ballencrief,
Humbie, Phantasie, Cockenzie, Kilspindie,
Bass Rock, Lammermuirs, Torness Point, Haddington,
John Muir Way, Whitecraig, Craigielaw, Stoneybank
2.
Longniddry, MacMerry, Tranent, Gullane Bents,
Pencaitland, Spilmersford,Fidra, Fisherrow,
Gosford Bay, New Winton, river Esk, river Tyne,
Doon Hill,Humbie Mill, Soutra Hill, Preston Mill
Goose Green, Whiteadder, Yellowcraigs, Pinkie Brae
Milsey Bay, Birsley Brae, Smeaton Lake, for Pete’s sake
3.
Elphinstone, Dolphingstone, Wolfstar, Ravensheugh
Aitkengall, Glenkinchie, Fa-side, Binning Wood
QMU, East Salton, West Saltoun, Byres Hill
Athelstaneford, Spott, Electric Bridge, Thornton Loch
Barns Ness, Fenton Barns, New Winton, Oldhamstocks
Back Chesters, Long Yester, see what I mean, sir
4.
Phantassie, Pishwanton, Torness, Innerwick,
Peffer Burn, Birns Water, Garvald, Sam Burns Yard,
Top Pans, Bottom Pans, Roodlands, Seton Sands,
Ayres Wynd, Mercat Gait, Mercat Cross, Alandas,
Ashiqs, Day to Day, Northfield House, Prestongrange
Dirleton, Gifford, Lady Kitty, what a pity