Neil Young – Four Strong Winds

About the song

“Four Strong Winds,” penned by Ian Tyson in 1962 and performed by Canadian folk duo Ian and Sylvia, stands as a poignant emblem of the early 1960s folk revival. This iconic song, immortalized on their 1963 album of the same name, captures the essence of melancholy and introspection amidst a failing relationship. Tyson’s inspiration for the song came swiftly during a brief stint in New York City, influenced by the burgeoning folk scene and a chance encounter with Bob Dylan.

The lyrics reflect a longing for reunion (“You could meet me if I sent you down the fare”) juxtaposed with a somber acceptance of irreconcilable differences (“But our good times are all gone/And I’m bound for moving on”). This dichotomy resonated deeply, making it a staple in the folk genre and beyond. In fact, “Four Strong Winds” remains a cornerstone of Canadian musical heritage, crowned the greatest Canadian song by CBC Radio One listeners in 2005 and unofficially adopted as Alberta’s anthem.

Beyond its Canadian roots, the song’s impact stretched internationally, with covers by notable artists such as Bobby Bare and Neil Young, who integrated it into his performances, including the iconic rendition during The Last Waltz. Its influence also reached Scandinavia, where translated versions found significant success in Norway and Sweden.

Tyson’s spontaneous creation of “Four Strong Winds” marked a pivotal moment in his career, steering Ian and Sylvia toward original compositions and cementing their place in folk music history. Its enduring appeal continues to be celebrated annually at festivals and cultural events, underscoring its timeless resonance and lasting legacy in the realm of folk music.

In summary, “Four Strong Winds” transcends its origins as a mere song, embodying a narrative that echoes across generations, cultures, and musical landscapes, solidifying its status as a timeless masterpiece and cultural touchstone.

Video

Lyrics

“Four Strong Winds”
(originally by Ian & Sylvia)

Think I’ll go out to Alberta
Weather’s good there in the fall
I got some friends that I could go to working for
Still, I wish you’d change your mind
If I ask you one more time
But we’ve been through this a hundred times or more

Four strong winds that blow lonely
Seven seas that run high
All those things that don’t change, come what may
If the good times are all gone
Then I’m bound for moving on
I’ll look for you if I’m ever back this way

If I get there before the snow flies
And if things are looking good
You could meet me if I send you down the fare
But by then it would be winter
Not too much for you to do
And those winds sure can blow cold way out there

Four strong winds that blow lonely
Seven seas that run high
All those things that don’t change, come what may
The good times are all gone
So I’m bound for moving on
I’ll look for you if I’m ever back this way

Still, I wish you’d change your mind
If I ask you one more time
But we’ve been through that a hundred times or more

Four strong winds that blow lonely
Seven seas that run high
All those things that don’t change, come what may
If the good times are all gone
Then I’m bound for moving on
I’ll look for you if I’m ever back this way
I’ll look for you if I’m ever back this way