Colin Buchanan - That Old Caravan Lyrics
Lyrics
They hitched up that old caravan in 1963
They drove a big black Zephyr
They were young and they were free
Pointed southwards with a tailwind
And no particular plan
Just a young bloke and his new bride
And that old caravan
Chorus...
Oh sweet memories
In that flaking paint and ply
Oh those miles that rolled on by
So hold her like you used to
When the journey first began
Side by side
In that old caravan
The day they got a flat tyre out the back of Narrabri
Annie was a twinkle in her mother's eye
And those little interruptions often-times began
A romantic roadside rendezvous
In that old caravan
Chorus...
They still flick through those old photos
Of their little growing clan
It was freedom on the wallaby
In that old caravan
Chorus...
Video
That Old Caravan
Meaning & Inspiration
Colin Buchanan's "That Old Caravan," released on February 24, 2021, is a touching ode to the enduring power of simple journeys and the love that fuels them. The song immediately transports us to 1963, painting a vivid picture of a young couple setting out in a Zephyr, their modest caravan a vessel not just for physical travel, but for a nascent adventure of life together. The narrative unfolds not as a grand epic, but as a series of intimate moments, highlighting the beauty found in the unplanned and the ordinary. The central theme resonates deeply with the biblical concept of finding joy in the present and cherishing the path laid before us. Just as the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, their journey marked by both hardship and divine provision, Buchanan's protagonists embrace the "no particular plan," finding contentment and freedom on the road. This mirrors the wisdom found in Proverbs 16:9: "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." The song suggests that true richness isn't in destinations but in the shared experience, a sentiment echoed in Ecclesiastes 4:9: "Two are better than one, because together they have good reward for their toil." The recurring chorus, with its imagery of "flaking paint and ply" and "miles that rolled on by," serves as a beautiful metaphor for the accumulation of shared experiences that build a strong foundation for a relationship. The couple’s willingness to "hold her like you used to" speaks to a conscious effort to preserve the freshness of their bond, much like a gardener tending to precious plants. This act of remembrance and continued affection calls to mind the command in Ephesians 5:25 to "love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." The mention of roadside encounters, even a flat tire, being transformed into "romantic rendezvous" underscores a profound perspective shift. These interruptions are not setbacks but opportunities for connection, demonstrating the resilience of love in the face of minor adversities. This reminds us of Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." As the story progresses to include a growing family, the caravan becomes a symbol of their evolving life, a mobile home that facilitates memories of "freedom on the wallaby." This progression speaks to the blessings of a fruitful life, acknowledging that God’s grace often manifests in the simple, tangible joys of family and shared experiences. "That Old Caravan" ultimately champions the enduring strength of love, the beauty of a life lived with purpose and presence, and the profound spiritual lessons embedded in the everyday journeys we undertake with those we cherish.