Acadian Driftwood

Album: Northern Lights - Southern Cross (1975)
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Songfacts®:

  • Acadia was a North American colony started by France in 1604. "Acadian Driftwood" is about the Expulsion of the Acadians, which involved Britain forcing the deportation of more than 11,000 Acadians during the French and Indian War. Known as the "Acadian Migration," the story is one that intrigued group leader Robbie Robertson, who wrote the song.
  • This is the only track on the Northern Lights - Southern Cross album to use an outside musician: fiddle player Byron Berline.
  • The Band used all three of their lead vocalists on this track: Levon Helm, Richard Manuel and Rick Danko.

Comments: 1

  • Charlie from MarylandThis song is simply stunning. Perfect bookend to "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." The Band share leads like no other group I've heard.
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