Jan. 21, 2024

Tonight’s song, from the Tragically Hip’s exceptional 2002 album, In Violet Light, is more than just a good song. It’s an important song.

It’s a song that reinforces my moral compass, giving me direction when I feel uncertain. Gord Downie’s powerful but quivering voice reminds me through the lyrics that a good life, in its truest sense, requires change, compromise, and compassion. And the dreamy music reassures me, pointing out that we’re all just making this stuff up as we go.

I was listening to this song two-and-a-half years ago when my mental scales shifted their balance and I decided to become a teacher. The track also played on repeat many a Sunday evening on the long drive back home after returning the kids to their mom after a weekend visit. And it turns up on my inner playlist quite often, usually when the day’s been less than gentle and I want to give up.

Eventually, each of us finds a place to go – a place to grow – if we’re willing to embrace a bit of weakness that isn’t really weakness.

I was talking with my third graders the other day about bravery. How the bravest among us are those who know fear and do the scary thing anyway. It doesn’t take bravery to do something if you’re not at least a little bit afraid. The weakness Gord sings of is like that. It’s a weakness borne of strength and the courage of your convictions.

If you can embrace that weakness, what a good life to have.

Note: I’m including two versions of tonight’s songs. The first is the original version. The second is from the 2021 Juno Awards. Gord passed away in 2017, and this was the first time the remaining members of The Tragically Hip had performed live together since then. Feist provided an incredible vocal performance in tribute to Gord.

For a good life

We just might have to weaken

And find somewhere to go

Go somewhere we’re needed

Find somewhere to grow

Grow somewhere we’re needed