OK...Here's a couple of thoughts to consider:
1. The word "master" is often used in to describe the pilot or captain of a boat. Dictionary.com says, "a person who commands a merchant ship; captain." The song suggests that the man (dog)who went missing could have been lost at sea or taken prisoner. I don't know about you, but it would make sense that the word "master" relates to the man's occupation. Masters of merchant ships would often be lost at sea or taken prisoner by pirates.
2. If you accept #1, then the last verse makes sense too. The weary stranger is the "master" returning from his extended sea voyage (due to shipwreck or piracy). He kneels in the church yard at "Bitter Green's" grave and dreams of her kiss. It's a tragedy. He finally returns, but now she is gone.
3.One other thought in respose to the question of "loving everyone." I've always seen that as a reckless, careless love. Perhaps a physical love, but not a true emotional bonding. Her true love is gone. She tries to fill the void, but the relationships are empty and meaningless. She's waiting for her "master" to return.
This is how I've always thougth about this song. Does this make sense to you folks? To me, while it's a cute idea to think that the song is about a dog, the above interpretation fits more with Gord's style.
MM
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