Courage (For Hugh Maclennan)
The Tragically Hip
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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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Written by: Robert Baker, Gordon Downie, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois, Gordon Sinclair
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Interpretation"Courage (For Hugh MacLennan)" was inspired by two Hugh MacLennan novels, The Watch that Ends the Night and Voices in Time. MacLennan was a Canadian author whose work explored fundamental truths about Canada’s national identity.
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Songwriter and LyricsThe song was written by the band's lead vocalist, Gordon Downie. In the lyrics, Downie makes references to MacLennan’s literature, specifically mentioning "The Watch that Ends the Night," reflecting the story's themes of loneliness, love, and mortality.
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Album"Courage (For Hugh MacLennan)" is a track from The Tragically Hip's critically acclaimed 1992 album, Fully Completely. This album was the band's third full-length album and is considered one of their most successful releases.
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GenreThe song, like the majority of The Tragically Hip's discography, falls into the rock genre. The band is often characterized as having a blues-infused rock sound.
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LegacyIt is viewed as one of The Tragically Hip's most iconic songs. It is also a significant reflection of the band's distinctly Canadian identity — from their lyrical references to Canadian literature to the band's widespread national popularity.
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Music Video"Courage (For Hugh MacLennan)" had an official music video that received high rotation on music TV channels such as MTV and MuchMusic. The video won the Juno Award for 'Best Music Video' in 1994.
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Chart PerformanceThe single peaked at number 10 on Canada's RPM Singles Chart. It was also ranked 16th on the RPM's year-end chart for 1993.
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Live PerformancesThe song continues to be a fan-favorite at The Tragically Hip's live shows. It has been played hundreds of times since its release, becoming one of their most-performed tracks.
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Cover Versions"Courage" has been covered by various artists, proving its enduring popularity and influence. Most notably, a rendition by Canadian artists Sarah Harmer and Jim Creeggan was released in 2016 as a tribute to Gordon Downie following his terminal brain cancer diagnosis.
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Song MeaningThe song is an ode to courage in the face of adversity, a theme prevalent in MacLennan's novels. As such, "Courage (For Hugh MacLennan)" is often interpreted as a rallying cry for resilience and determination.
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Citation
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"Courage (For Hugh Maclennan) Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2023. Web. 1 Oct. 2023. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35669498/The+Tragically+Hip/Courage+%28For+Hugh+Maclennan%29>.
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