by Michael Plante

Pretty much every Canadian is touched by The Tragically Hip. To this day many still feel the loss of Gord Downie, lead singer and lyricist of the band, who passed away from brain cancer October 17 2017. Whenever a Tragically Hip song plays we smile because it brings back a moment in time when the song was released, a feeling or a rally to arms which was one of the masteries of Gord Downie’s writing. There are other times when a Tragically Hip song brings tears due to the monumental loss of such a dear Canadian. Heart-stricken silence represented by tears is the best and sometimes only way to express such pain. Our unbearable longing to have a friend back creeps into our existence. “Just one more day”, we ask but never receive.

There is a backstage pass to the band’s relationship entitled No Dress Rehearsal on Prime Video, which was directed by Gord Downie’s brother Mike Downie. If you’re wondering why there’s such an attraction to the band by Canadians it may be worth the watch. There are many tidbits of information throughout the 4 part documentary that many Tragically Hip fans were not aware of. From the formulation of the band in the early years up until Gord Downie’s death this well documented story covers the brotherhood of 5 friends and bandmates without holding back respectively, as it shouldn’t since that was the philosophy of the band to begin with. And maybe that is the attraction by Canadians? The fact we will not hold back our opinions regarding our lifestyle or culture? God help you if you try to pull the toque over the eyes of a Canadian.

As far as I know there has not been another band in the world that has shut down a country for one night. I think we all knew the band’s last tour would end where it began, Kingston Ontario. The fact that it would be televised throughout the whole country showed Gord Downie and the rest of the band how much respect was earned by them throughout their career. It was a chance for the band to say goodbye, and a chance for all Canadians to say, “thank you”. We believe we did it the Canadian way, with tact, honour and respect. I can’t imagine that there was one Canadian that didn’t shed a tear during that broadcast. We watched our brother take one last bow from the stage, then walk away to his private refuge until his passing. An empty stage full of broken hearts concluded that night.

The effects of Gord Downie upon Canadians is a part of his legacy. His inspiration motivates people to this day. We still look at ourselves and our country through a perspective of children who question everything. From our government to social issues we question our responsibilities and duties to uphold the values that make Canada the most desirable country to live in. We might not be perfect, but we’ll always speak the truth and hold those accountable for their actions and decisions regarding the direction of our culture and our lifestyle. This characterization of Canadians isn’t unique to one certain or distinct person, yet once in a while an individual steps up to the plate and shows us why we must continue to stand up in the face of adversity. They show us what it means to be Canadian.

When I need inspiration I dig into some Tragically Hip. Something that rings a bell in my mind. Something that tells me what I’m missing. With the challenges facing Canadians today I find myself repeating a song entitled It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken. From the dream-like guitar riff to the haunting lyrics of foreseeable strife or challenges, and a way to combat it, this song screams endurance and vigilance in Canadian fashion, a true Gord Downie masterpiece. I get to share it with those that have not heard it. I hope it gives you a touch of Canadian heart and well-being. Thank you Gord Downie and the Tragically Hip for all your work and recordings. It is much appreciated.

It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken

When the color of the night
And all the smoke for one life
Gives way to shaky movements
Improvisational skills

A forest of whispering speakers
Let’s swear that we will
Get with the times
In a current health to stay

Let’s get friendship right
Get life day to day
In the forget yer skates dream
Full of countervailing woes

In diverse as ever scenes
Proceeding on a need to know
In a face so full of meaning
As to almost make it glow

For for a good life
We just might have to weaken
And find somewhere to go

Go somewhere we’re needed
Find somewhere to grow
Go somewhere we’re needed

When the color of the night
And all the smoke in one life
Gives way to shaky movements
Improvisational skills

In the forest of whispering speakers
Let’s swear that we will
Get with the times
In a current health to stay

And let’s get friendship right
Get life day to day
In the forget yer skates dream
Full of countervailing woes

In diverse as ever scenes
Proceeding on a need to know
In a face so full of meaning
As to almost make it glow

For for a good life
We just might have to weaken
And find somewhere to go

Go somewhere we’re needed
Find somewhere to grow
Go somewhere we’re needed
Find somewhere to go
Let’s go somewhere we’re needed
Find somewhere to grow
Go where we’re needed

‘Cause in the forget-yer-skates dream
You can hang your head in woe
And this diverse as ever scene
Know which way to go.

Song Writers: Gordon Downie / Johnny Fay / Joseph Paul Langlois / Robert Baker / Robert Gordon Sinclair. A.K.A. The Tragically Hip.
Copyright 2002