These songs are inspired by a series of events from the 2023 Western Spring Explore Program in Trois-Pistoles, Quebec and use solo piano.

Songs From a Small Town

Inspired by the view of the St. Lawrence river at Parc Kiskotuk, and the view from the peak of Mont Olivine, this song takes on some lively folk-like qualities in its melodies and chords.

High above the river
You’ll meet folks from far and wide
High above the river
It’s where I go for peace and quiet

Way up high
From down low
Forging streams and mountains so

Up ahead
Trail goes on
Who can tell what lies beyond?

High upon the mountain
There are sights you’ve never seen
High upon the mountain
Its blissful views are like a dream

Way up high
From down low
Forging streams and mountains so

Up ahead
Trail goes on
Who can tell what lies beyond?

The landscape calls to me
I reply
A chorus of horns belts out a fanfare on high
I see the town
Sun smiling down
I thank my lucky star that we made it this far

Way up high
From down low
Forging streams and mountains so

Up ahead
Trail goes on
Who can tell what lies beyond?
Only we know what’s beyond!

High Above the River

This slow and tender waltz reflects on the gorgeous sunsets found in Trois-Pistoles. Recording used with permission.

Once upon a sunset
clouds were pillows cozy
high above the meadow
and cradled it like babe newborn

Once upon an evening
sky was red and rosy
sleep, my darling, sleep
may your rest be soft and full of warmth

There, beyond the sunset
dreams for you are waiting
see the fun adventures
whatever you desire comes true

Lay your head down sweetheart,
look, the sun is waning
keep this melody
as a treasured gift that stays with you

Once Upon a Sunset

Inspired by an evening bike trip to Chute Mackenzie. Recording used with permission.

One Tuesday I heard a call to adventure
From a friend during dinner
Was eating quite slow
But had to go
There’s no time to taste dessert
Up the hill
Once again
Across the iron road
Met the others on porch outside
On bikes each student rode
One-thirty-two, it’s all you
To

An evening by the waterfall
With rocky landscape sunset view
An outing for them all
With smiles, pictures, splashes too
Just an evening at the falls

A long row of bikes is chained to the fence
And looks like Pont des Arts
Our t-shirts are gone
The swimsuits come on
It’s time to take a dip
Water cool
Like brand new shades
So beautiful and glassy
Picture primetime
Laying on rocks right next to Montreal
One-thirty-two, it’s all you
To

An evening by the waterfall
Such treasured mem’ries spent with vous
what more could you ask for
There’s nothing I’d say or would choose
Just an evening at the falls

Mackenzie, I don’t know who you are
But your waterfall’s a miracle from heaven above
Scenery so precious guarantees that 
We will miss it
I’ll be back again one day
For an

Evening by the waterfall
With friends who climbed  high up above
aussi, Fromagerie
has all you need with extra love
Just an evening at the falls

An Evening at the Falls

This song references real events from the final Sunday of the program, such as singing in the choir at mass, and meeting people at the local resturant Cantine D’amours. It has some melancholy at the approaching end of the trip. I chose to use "dernière" instead of "dernier" because I felt the word was better suited for the melody. Recording used with permission.

Dernière Dimanche
Dernière Dimanche
You came so quickly, how?
Feelings are prickly now

Dernière Dimanche
Dernière Dimanche
why did you come out to play?

The sun’s not set
On our trip quite yet
There are many sights to see
Before we leave

Dernière Dimanche
Dernière Dimanche
sung in a choir with
cas’ual attire, oh

Dernière Dimanche
Dernière Dimanche
must it go really this way?

The weeks flew by
But it’s not goodbye
There is time to make new friends
Before the end

Dernière Dimanche
Dernière Dimanche
Cantine D’amours at three,
Cheese Complet, oui merci

Dernière Dimanche
Dernière Dimanche
you know I’m going away

Although the end is so near,
Caveau’s the place for beer
IPA or “Fifty-Nine”
With board games or Brainwaves tonight

Dernière Dimanche
Dernière Dimanche
here you are finally
snuck up so quietly

Dernière Dimanche
Dernière Dimanche
smiling but aching today

Dernière Dimanche
Dernière Dimanche
au revoir pour cet été

Dernière Dimanche

This romantic and nocturnal ballad draws on some experiences from the final night in Trois-Pistoles. Recording used with permission.

Lamppost by the church at night
Sun is fin’lly out of sight

Memories come flooding back like movies in reverse
But time crawls on; it can’t fit in your purse

Long talks right next to the sidewalk
With friends who ate all together

Big group hug
Heartstrings tugged
Au revoir

What a beautiful glimmer
With feelings so inner
and heartfelt goodbyes
With some tears in our eyes
It’s the

Lamppost there that stands so tall
Casts enough light after all

Once upon a time I feel I’ve seen this sight before
But maybe that’s a fable, nothing more

A car is parked right beside us
Its silver hue pale in moonlight

Don’t you leave
Pretty please
‘Til next time

Here’s a night to remember
With passion like embers
And lamppost as witness
To all of our business, oh

High above the river
You’ll meet folks from far and wide
Here beside the river
It’s where I had the best of times

Lamppost by the church at night

Lamppost by the Church at Night

This song has a more “pop” feeling and is a sort of summation of the trip, and the collection of songs. Used with permission.

What a stay in Trois-Pistoles
Not a day was ever dull
Busy as can be

Randonnée each Saturday
Chez Boogie avant minuit
God, we had such fun

In Trois-Pistoles
Trois-Pistoles
Nowhere else compares

To Trois-Pistoles
Trois Pistoles
Paysage et rivière

Rent a bike and use it well
Even when it’s hot as hell
And in pouring rain

Lots of wind and lots of crows
Volleyball and frisbee throws
Tournaments each week

In Trois-Pistoles
Trois-Pistoles
Where else could there be

but Trois-Pistoles
Trois Pistoles
Live there and you’ll see

Keep in mind this simple fact and it will serve well:
Don’t hurry, please be early like the church’s grand bell

Recently, I took a trip
No idea who I’d be with
Did it all the same

Friends were made and bonds were formed
Most were new, some from before
What more can I say?

It’s Trois-Pistoles
Trois-Pistoles
Tu me manques beaucoup

Oui, Trois-Pistoles
Trois Pistoles
Hope to see you soon

I’ll be back, I promise that, just wait and see

Single traffic light shines so bright
See some friendly folks wherever you go,
That’s what waits in Trois-Pistoles

Songs From a Small Town

Ryan Duffy