Man at the Gate (1913)

Album: The Last Rider (2017)
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Songfacts®:

  • This sepia-toned portrait is the closing track of Ron Sexsmith's 13th album, The Last Rider. Many of the songs on the record evoke specific locations and moments from Sexsmith's past, which it transpires, is linked to his decision to quit Toronto, his home for 30 years. He told Uncut:

    "One of the songs is called Man At The Gate (1913). It seems to be all about leaving Toronto, but I wasn't thinking that when I wrote it. When I listen to the record now, it feels like it was almost a foretelling."

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