25SEP22 Song of the Week
It's hard to describe how beloved The Tragically Hip is in Canada. Long before the band announced on May 24, 2016 that frontman Gord Downie had been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour, the nation held the band from Kingston in our hearts. The lyrics of their songs spoke to us, and of us, our unique moments in history that could have faded into obscurity. The apex of cool, their music resonated with what we imagine being a Canuck is at our core. Sung around campfires, blasted out of car windows and ice-fishing huts, even those who didn't consider themselves 'fans' recognized these were our boys, and either joined in enthusiastically or tapped a bashful foot. The Hip became synonymous with good times, despite some of the melancholy nature hidden within the lyrics, and their unique way of storytelling with superb songs helped them gain a following that bridged generations and seasons. That the devastating news came on the first long weekend of the summer seemed especially cruel.
It's hard to imagine a Canadian today who won't always remember how they felt when Downie and the band went forward with the Man Machine Poem Tour in summer 2016. Tears flowed, hearts broke and we were humbled by the courage of this man's gift to us. Gord Downie was more than a singer-songwriter musician; he was an activist, writer and incredible human being. The final concert in Kingston, Ontario was held on August 20th and the CBC broadcast and streamed it live. Cities and towns across the country set up venues for people to gather and watch together. In a large park in my little town, friends and I watched on the screens and sang along to every word with strangers who, like us, were both celebrating and mourning with 11.7 million other people. Unforgettable.
As is the documentary about the tour, Long Time Running, available on Youtube, Apple TV and Google Play. The profile manages to be moving yet matter-of-fact about this last public journey of an extraordinary man and the high school friends he made music with. It's well worth viewing. The song Courage (For Hugh MacLennan) was released in February 1993 and it was much loved for more than two decades before The Hip last played it together. That takes nothing away from how poignant it seems in retrospect, especially when the song is about living with the consequences of our actions. Though his loss is tragic indeed, it was a life well-lived in 53 years and his gifts continue beyond the time he spent on Earth. The Tragically Hip announced Gord Downie's death on their website on October 18, 2017:
Last night Gord quietly passed away with his beloved children and family close by.
Gord knew this day was coming – his response was to spend this precious time as he always had – making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss ... on the lips. Gord said he had lived many lives. As a musician, he lived "the life" for over 30 years, lucky to do most of it with his high school buddies. At home, he worked just as tirelessly at being a good father, son, brother, husband and friend. No one worked harder on every part of their life than Gord. No one.
We would like to thank all the kind folks at KGH and Sunnybrook, Gord's bandmates, management team, friends and fans. Thank you for all the help and support over the past two years.
Thank you everyone for all the respect, admiration and love you have given Gord throughout the years – those tender offerings touched his heart and he takes them with him now as he walks among the stars.
— The Downie Family