It tells the story of a man who wishes to fulfill his dreams, but is bound to his rural homeland by his family, particularly his lonely mother.
[3] Subsequent to the songwriter Ron Hynes' death, a crowd was organized for a singalong in Bannerman Park, St. John's in remembrance and celebration of his life.
[4][5] The song is popular not only in Atlantic Canada, but in some parts of the United States and has been covered by many other artists, including Hamish Imlach, Great Big Sea, Christy Moore, Emmylou Harris, Stan Rogers, Valdy, Allison Crowe, Hayley Westenra, Jean Redpath, and Corey Hart.
It was covered by Kellie Loder on the 2023 Hynes tribute album Sonny Don't Go Away.
[6] The song was heard by Scottish artist Hamish Imlach while on a trip to Canada, who modified it somewhat and played it in folk-clubs in Britain.