The Last American Exit was inspired by the sign you read as you cross into Canada along the Thousand Island bridge from the United States. Gord gets a lot of his lyrics from things he sees and hears (Take “Little Bones” for example) and this came from the sign that reads: “Last U.S. Exit”.
You know the reasons I can't conceal
You know I'm leaving, you obviously know how I feel
It's not as easy as calling out your name when I'm down
It's not a matter for wrong or right
It ain't much better than drinking and looking to fight
You know I'm tired of crawling behind my name among the crowd
I'm on the last American exit to the northland
I'm on the last American exit to my homeland
I'm on the last American exit to my last dance
They keep calling out my name, I shout it down
They made you wonder and know for sure
You've made them hunger at night then they run for the door
You know you'll probably cry like Caesar's son when you're found
It's not your place it's another town
Let's face it, baby, I'm up and then, baby, I'm down
You'll watch the border offer you fame and watch it drown
I'm on the last American exit to the northland
I'm on the last American exit to my homeland
I'm on the last American exit to my last chance
They keep calling out my name, I shout it down
Know our neighbours and know they'll take us
Know my city it's just like theirs are
Hope I make it, I know I'm going to make it somehow
Know your saviour he knows you shakers
Know my pity I'll see you later
I'd like to stay but I know it doesn't matter somehow
I'm on the last American exit to the northland
I'm on the last American exit to my homeland
I'm on the last American exit to my last dance
They keep calling out my name
They keep calling out my name
They keep calling out my name, I shout it down
Last American Exit was written by Gord Sinclair.
Last American Exit was produced by Ken Greer.