Ahead by a Century
The Tragically Hip
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First we'd climb a tree and maybe then we'd talk Or sit silently and listen to our thoughts With illusions of someday casting a golden light No dress rehearsal, this is our life That's when the hornet stung me and I had a feverish dream With revenge and doubt tonight we smoke them out You are ahead by a century Stare in the morning shroud and then the day began I tilted your cloud, you tilted my hand Rain falls in real time and rain fell through the night No dress rehearsal, this is our life That's when the hornet stung me and I had a serious dream With revenge and doubt tonight, we smoked them out You are ahead by a century But this is our life and disappointing you getting me down
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: Gordon Downie, Johnny Fay, Joseph Paul Langlois, Robert Baker, Robert Gordon Sinclair
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Musical Composition"Ahead by a Century" is considered to be one of the most popular songs composed by the Canadian rock band, The Tragically Hip.
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Chart PerformanceIt was the lead single from their fifth studio album, Trouble at the Henhouse and became the band's most successful single in their home country when it peaked at number one on Canada’s RPM Top Singles chart in 1996.
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Musical InfluenceThe song is well-regarded for its musical intricacy with captivating guitar riffs and a unique blend of rock, pop, and folk elements.
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Song's MeaningThe band has never been explicit about the song's meaning, allowing listeners the freedom to interpret it in their own way. However, themes of nostalgia, life's unexpected turns, and the mystery of the future can be inferred.
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RecognitionThe song is often cited as a staple of Canadian rock music and is regularly played across radio stations even after decades of its original release.
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Live ElementThe Tragically Hip performed "Ahead by a Century" live for the first time at a show in Winnipeg in 1996 and it quickly became a fan favorite.
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Impact of Lead Singers's DeathAfter the death of the band’s lead singer, Gord Downie, in 2017, the song gained newfound attention and respect, symbolizing the singer’s life and a reflection of the impact he made on the music industry.
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Album's ReceptionThe album "Trouble at the Henhouse” on which the song appears, has been certified Diamond in Canada, indicating sales of over one million units.
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SongwritingAs with many Tragically Hip songs, the lyrics were written by Gord Downie, who was known for his poetic and thought-provoking songwriting style.
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Television FeatureThe song title was used as the title for the series finale of the Canadian television show, "Anne with an E," featuring a cover of the song by The Ugly Ducklings.
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Cultural Influence"Ahead by a Century" has often been used at sporting events and public gatherings, further solidifying its place in Canadian culture.
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Acoustic VersionAn acoustic version of "Ahead by a Century" was performed during what was to be The Tragically Hip's final live concert in Kingston, Ontario, in 2016.
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Citation
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