"In Killington's Shadow©"
Lyrics by M. S. McKenzie | Performed by American Storyteller Music, Protected by Copyright
~ Associated State Links ~
State of VT Home Page | State of VT Gallery Page
In Killington's Shadow©
[Intro: extended instrumental]
[Verse 1]
Burlington wakes to a warm sunrise glow
As Lake Champlain whispers so sweet and low
The sailboats drift away on horizons wide
With mountains of green rising side by side
[Chorus]
Oh Vermont, where sugar maples paint the sky
Every autumn blaze makes the soul testify
From its covered bridges where rivers flow
To vernal woodlands…
…home of the hawk and the crow
[Verse 2]
Montpelier hums with its capital grace
A golden dome shines above this quiet place
Farm stands scattered along winding roads
Where the stately maples turn hearts to gold
[Verse 3]
Mount Stowe wears a mantle of October snow
Where skiers carve trails where cold winds blow
While autumn hikers climb to hidden streams
Every path carries a series of endless dreams
[Bridge]
Woodstock's charm glows in the twilight haze
Its charming village never ceases to amaze
In Killington's shadow, the ski trails sing
Of rushing rivers, open air and the coming spring
[Verse 4]
Covered bridges hold stories of old
Of lovers and travelers with tales retold
The leaves may fall, but a joyful spirit stays
In Vermont's bright heart and timeless ways
[Chorus]
Oh Vermont, where sugar maples paint the sky
Every autumn blaze makes the soul testify
From its covered bridges where rivers flow
To vernal woodlands…
…home of the hawk and the crow
[Outro: extended instrumental]
Song Description
"In Killington's Shadow" is a heartfelt singer-songwriter ballad that captures the essence of Vermont through its landscapes, towns, and enduring traditions. The song flows with a gentle folk-rock cadence, weaving together images of mountains, rivers, and villages to create a portrait that is both intimate and expansive.
Verse 1: The Western Horizon
The opening verse situates listeners in Burlington at sunrise, with Lake Champlain's waters setting a calm, reflective tone. The sailboats drifting out to horizon lines provide a sense of freedom, while the Green Mountains rising in the background ground the song in the state's iconic geography. This blend of lake and mountain imagery immediately positions Vermont as a place of natural balance and beauty.
Chorus: A Love Song to Vermont
The chorus is a resounding tribute to the state's character. With sugar maples "painting the sky" in autumn, it celebrates Vermont's legendary foliage as a spiritual experience:something that makes "the soul testify." The lines about covered bridges and woodland wildlife tie together human history and the wild, presenting Vermont as a state where nature and culture intertwine seamlessly.
Verse 2: Montpelier and Rural Grace
The second verse brings the listener to Montpelier, the smallest U.S. state capital, where the golden dome of the statehouse gleams above its quiet streets. Beyond the capital, winding country roads lined with farm stands speak to Vermont's agrarian traditions, emphasizing community, resilience, and the connection between land and people.
Verse 3: Adventure and Dreams
The third verse shifts northward to Stowe, a mountain known for skiing and winter sports. October snow settles over the trails, skiers carve down slopes, and autumn hikers explore hidden streams:each activity reinforcing Vermont's reputation as a state where outdoor adventure fuels personal dreams. The imagery here evokes both the vibrancy of fall and the promise of winter.
Bridge: The Heart of Killington
The bridge serves as the song's emotional centerpiece, focusing on Woodstock's timeless charm and then moving to Killington itself. The ski town and its surrounding trails are described almost musically, "singing" with rivers and open air. The reference to "the coming spring" carries a sense of hope and renewal, echoing the seasonal cycles that define life in Vermont.
Verse 4: Legacy and Spirit
The final verse honors Vermont's covered bridges once again, tying them to tales of travelers and lovers:symbols of history and continuity. Even as the leaves fall, the lyrics affirm that Vermont's spirit remains joyful and enduring, ensuring the state's essence transcends the changing seasons.
Outro: A Gentle Farewell
The song closes with an extended instrumental outro, allowing the imagery and emotions to resonate like an autumn sunset fading into night. It's an invitation for listeners to linger in Vermont's landscapes long after the last note fades.
Overall Impression
"In Killington's Shadow" is a poetic ode to Vermont, seamlessly blending geography, history, and seasonal rhythms into song. From Burlington's lakefront to Montpelier's golden dome, from Stowe's snowy slopes to Killington's ski trails, it paints a vivid portrait of the Green Mountain State. The song feels like both a travelogue and a love letter:an anthem for anyone who has walked Vermont's trails, admired its foliage, or found peace in its small towns.
