Courage

The Tragically Hip

About Courage

"Courage (for Hugh MacLennan)" is a song by Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip. It was released in February 1993 as the third single from their 1992 album Fully Completely. The song's bracketed title references the late author Hugh MacLennan, because lines from his 1959 novel The Watch That Ends the Night are paraphrased in the song's final verse. The song was very successful, reaching number 10 on Canada's RPM Singles Chart, and also charting well in the United States and the Netherlands. The song was also nominated for "Single of the Year" at the 1994 Juno Awards. 


Year:
1994
4:25
104 
#1

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Watch the band through a bunch of dancers
Quickly, follow the unknown, with something more familiar
Quickly, something familiar
Courage, my word it didn't come it doesn't matter

Sleepwalk, so fast asleep in a motel
That has the lay of home and piss on all of your background
And piss on all your surroundings
Courage, my word, it didn't come, it doesn't matter
Courage, your word, it didn't come, it doesn't matter
Courage, my word, it didn't come, it doesn't matter
Courage, it couldn't come at a worse time

There's no simple explanation
For anything important any of us do
And yeah the human tragedy
Consists in the necessity
Of living with the consequences
Under pressure, under pressure
Courage, my word, it didn't come, it doesn't matter,
Courage, your word, it didn't come, it doesn't matter
Courage, my word, it didn't come, it doesn't matter
Courage, it couldn't come at a worse time

It couldn't come at a worse time
It couldn't come at a worse time
Courage

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The Tragically Hip

The Tragically Hip, often referred to simply as The Hip, was a Canadian rock band from Kingston, Ontario, that was active between 1983 and 2016. The band was made up of Gordon Downie [1964-2017] (lead vocals and guitar), Paul Langlois (guitar), Rob Baker (guitar, known as Bobby Baker until 1994), Gord Sinclair (bass) and Johnny Fay (drums). The band released 12 studio albums, two live albums, 1 EP, and 54 singles. Nine of their albums reached No. 1 in Canada. They received numerous Canadian Music awards, including 16 Juno Awards. The band's final album and tour were in 2016, following Downie being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in December, 2015. more »

4 fans

Written by: Robert Baker, Gordon Downie, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois, Gordon Sinclair

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Album Release
"Courage" is a song by The Tragically Hip, featured on their fifth studio album, "Fully Completely", which was released in 1992.
Songwriter Credit
The song was written by the band's members, including Gordon Downie, Johnny Fay, Joseph Paul Langlois, Rob Baker, and Gord Sinclair.
Chart Performance
"Courage" had significant success on the charts. It reached the top 10 on the Billboard Canadian Singles Chart.
Inspired by Literature
The song is speculated to be inspired by the novel "In the Skin of a Lion" by Michael Ondaatje.
Live Performances
"Courage" was often performed live by The Tragically Hip during their many tours around the world.
Radio Featuring
The song became a staple of Canadian rock radio and is frequently played even today.
Song Interpretation
"Courage" is often seen as a reflection of the human condition—confronting fear, hope, uncertainty, and the necessity of courage.
Tribute Recognition
The song's lyrics, "Courage, couldn't come at a worse time," were quoted by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in his tribute to Gord Downie, the lead singer of The Tragically Hip, who died in 2017.
Music Video
The music video for the song, directed by Peter Henderson, won a MuchMusic Video Award for Best Cinematography.
Enduring Impact
Nearly three decades after its release, "Courage" continues to be a significant part of The Tragically Hip's enduring music legacy.
Cover versions
Several artists, including Sarah Polley, have covered "Courage."

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