Story Behind The Song

Chestnut and Cherry streets in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, were "stomping grounds" for me as a child (although in reality, they do not cross). The song is a flood of memories of the geography of where I was raised.

Song Description

The song is a "walk" around the seasons with much nature imagery, highlighting sights, sounds and scents of my childhood.

Lyrics

(On the Corner of) Chestnut and Cherry

On the corner of chestnut and cherry
The chestnut tree bends low
With gentle sways she rocks the babes
Of birds she has come to know
She sweetens every bitter heart
Some even say she gave the start
To the corner

On the corner of chestnut and cherry
The cherry blossoms sing
I close my eyes and ride the song
That lingers through the spring
And from the west, a tender breeze
Oh how I love to simply breathe
On the corner

The river is a perfect date
His cool arm wrapped around my waist
Will keep the hot July at bay
While I just splash the day away

On the corner of chestnut and cherry
In a valley all alone
Just beyond the chestnut's reach
Is the house where I was born
The stucco's grey with coloured glass
That winks at all who choose to pass
By the corner

Soft September brings the sounds
Of apples popping to the ground
They roll the hill to water's flow
Where willows wave their green flags low
October's red replaces green
Poplars turn to tambourines
And when the birds and leaves have fled
December spins her silk white thread

Winter seems to last so long
But April rains are always strong
The sun is warm, the river yawns
One spring stretch and ice is gone

On the corner of chestnut and cherry
The mother tree bends low
With gentle sways she rocks the babes
Of birds she has come to know
And from the west, a tender breeze
Oh how I love to simply breathe
On the corner