Patrick Sky - Many a Mile (1965)

Patrick Sky (born Patrick Lynch on October 2nd, 1943) is an American folk musician, singer, and songwriter. Though he was born in Georgia and raised in Louisiana, Sky made a name for himself in Greenwich Village, New York, alongside contemporaries such as Eric Andersen, Mississippi John Hurt, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Dave van Ronk, and all of the other numerous names made famous who got their start in the Village.

He recorded four albums in the mid- to late-sixties until simultaneously becoming tired with the music industry and growing a more politically radical point of view. This new outlook inspired Sky to record a highly satirical album in 1971. The album, titled Songs That Made America Famous, was so controversial that it wasn’t released until 1973, after having been declined for release by numerous labels.

More recently, Sky has been renowned for his expertise in building and playing the Irish uillean pipes. He has authored numerous books on the subject and often performs with his wife Cathy.

Heard below is the opening track to Patrick Sky’s eponymous debut album, released in 1965. Written by Sky himself, the song became a standard of the folk music scene in the 1960s. It has been covered by numerous artists, perhaps of which most notably was Buffy Sainte-Marie, who named her 1965 album after the song.



Patrick Sky - Many a Mile (1965)

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Lyrics:

I’ve damn near walked this world around
Another city, another town
Another friend to say goodbye
Another girl to sit and cry
And it’s many a mile I’ve spent on this road
It’s many a mile I have gone

Well, there was one who knew me best
You know she gave my poor heart rest
She was my world, my heart, my dear
Now she’s gone to God knows where
And it’s many a mile I’ve spent on this road
It’s many a mile I have gone

I’ve seen your towns; they’re all the same
The only difference is in a name
The only home I’ve ever know’ed
Was a suitcase and the open road
And it’s many a mile I’ve spent on this road
It’s many a mile I have gone

So I’ll fill my glasses up to the brim
And through my glass, my world looks dim
But, I know, outside there’s light somewhere
Maybe my rambling will get me there
And it’s many a mile I’ve spent on this road
It’s many a mile I’ve gone

It’s many a mile I’ve spent on this road
And it’s many a mile I will go