This song was inspired by songs such as "Everybody Get Together" from the Sixties and also by a performance of "The Way of the Waters" by the Perpetual Peace Project which may be seen on YouTube.

There was a coffee house in Stratford from about 1962 to 1978 which co-existed with the Stratford Shakespearean Festival. I first discovered it while on a high school English trip. The performances at this Black Swan Coffee House were either just before or after the plays at the theatre. Initially the featured performer was Cedric Smith who had a very dramatic performance to his songs, which were often satirical. As the years passed, he was joined by many others who became known as the Perth County Conspiracy. They toured across Canada as well and put out a number of albums. Performances at the Black Swan Coffee House often went on till 4 a.m. For the last 20 years there has been a once a year revival of the Black Swan in August. If you check out my YouTube channel you will find some videos taken during these revivals.