I had this dream where I relished the fray
And the screaming filled my head all day
It was as though I’d been spit here
Settled in, into the pocket
Of a lighthouse on some rocky socket
Off the coast of France, dear
One afternoon four thousand men died in the water here
And five hundred more were thrashing madly
As parasites might in your blood
Now I was in a lifeboat designed for ten and ten only
Anything that systematic would get you hated
It’s not a deal nor a test nor a love of something fated
The selection was quick, the crew was picked in order
And those left in the water
Got kicked off our pant leg
And we headed for home
Then the dream ends when the phone rings
“You doing all right?”
He said, “It’s out there most days and nights
But only a fool would complain”
Anyway, Susan, if you like
Our conversation is as faint a sound in my memory
As those fingernails scratching on my hull
And the screaming filled my head all day
It was as though I’d been spit here
Settled in, into the pocket
Of a lighthouse on some rocky socket
Off the coast of France, dear
One afternoon four thousand men died in the water here
And five hundred more were thrashing madly
As parasites might in your blood
Now I was in a lifeboat designed for ten and ten only
Anything that systematic would get you hated
It’s not a deal nor a test nor a love of something fated
The selection was quick, the crew was picked in order
And those left in the water
Got kicked off our pant leg
And we headed for home
Then the dream ends when the phone rings
“You doing all right?”
He said, “It’s out there most days and nights
But only a fool would complain”
Anyway, Susan, if you like
Our conversation is as faint a sound in my memory
As those fingernails scratching on my hull
–
—The Tragically Hip, Nautical Disaster.
Prosophos 
Having living in Whistler and travelling British Colombia and Alberta in 1994-5 this post is close to my heart. Road Apples, Fully Completely produced some great singles. Apart this song Wheat Kings and Scared probably my top 3.
Well you never cease to amaze me Mr. Gemmell. Lived in BC and Alberta? Listened to The Hip? Wow!
In addition to the great songs you’ve listed, if you haven’t listened to “Ahead by a Century”, please do so at your earliest convenience.
You never hear the Tragically Hip in the states. Come to think of it, most people outside of Toronto, or at least outside of Canada, have little idea of them. I’m in agreement with Gemmel on his song choices.. Good to know there is at least 2 other person in the world who’s listening.
Louis, we are now officially 4! The Hip have been my entire adulthood soundtrack. They epitomise what Canada is. I am saddened by the thought that this is the end of an era with the demise of an incredible poet/lyricist/singer.
Goodnight Attawapiskat.
You gentlemen are all awesome.