This is one post in a series. Each post will focus on one song by The Tragically Hip, a Canadian rock n’ roll band. I am a fan, not an expert. The thoughts expressed in these posts are my own, with the following two exceptions: I have drawn inspiration and knowledge from a book entitled, The Never Ending Present by Michael Barclay. I have, also, learned much from a website dedicated to Hip fans, entitled The Hip Museum. I will give credit to either source when applicable.
This is a song about explorers and the exploitation of Indigenous cultures. It is funny to listen to this song, with lines about being on this land and seeing someone like Jacques Cartier, with his “bum’s eye for clothes” coming down the river toward you. We, as white, anglo-saxon Canadians of European descent take our History so very much for granted. Of course, we tell ourselves that expanding our empires was justified. Of course, the treasures reaped were warranted. We are all so quick to forget about those who were here first. As the lyrics state, “Come on in. Sit right down. No, you’re not the first to show. We’ve all been here since, God, who knows?”
While The Hip may have played this song for years as part of the standard concert lineup, we have not done much in the way of learning its lessons. I say this in light of the Climate Change movement that has, out of necessity, sprung up around the world. One of the main points they are attempting to drive home with their marches and sit-ins is that we need to stop exploiting indigenous cultures around the world as a formal part of government policies. However, last time I checked, the Amazon Rainforest was still on fire and many First nations communities in Canada still had undrinkable water. It is difficult for us to look at cultures and worlds different that we are used to, with eyes trained to see only through the filters of our own experiences.
“Wayward ho, away we go
Its a shame to leave this masterpiece
With its gallery gods and garbage bag trees.
So, I’ll paint a scene, from memory,
So, I’d know who murdered me.
It’s a vain pursuit but it helps me sleep.”
The video for this song can be viewed here.
Thanks, as always, for coming here and hanging out for awhile. I hope that you enjoyed this post. If you wish to leave a comment about this song, the topic of exploitation of indigenous cultures, climate change or whatever your heart desires, please feel free to do so. Thanks to the Tragically Hip for writing a song that can speak to something so important but, doing so in such a rocking’ way!
Tom MacInnes, Writer 