This tune was written in the late 80's/early 90's and to me, it speaks of the challenges English Canada has with the separatist movement in Quebec.
Cordelia, the dutiful and indulgent daughter, endured all manner of abuse. By refusing to be like Cordelia, Gord is advocating English Canada should refuse to be bullied by Quebec's dictates and demands. He articulates that Quebec must muster all of its energy to prove it is aggrieved and not fulfilled within confederation.
Treading the boards? The posturing of an actor as he makes his pronouncements, just like a politician, ranting his unhappiness and misery at the fate associated with coexistence.
Who jumps "in the ring with your hidden cape"? One who enters the political fray expressing national pride. Of course, the bull is Quebec, unable to decide if the hatred is for the cape (ie flag) or the bullfighter (the rest of Canada).
There are references to things being done just because they can - spitting from a bridge, jumping on a train etc., as well as the Tin Man reference - he of no heart. Quebec can do all these things in the current political environment, so it chooses to do so, whether it is logical and desirable or not.
Old antiques - time honoured grievances ... and of course, robbing a bank - transfer payments to an always financially dependent Quebec. Of course, this is also evident in the final verse, where the thief stays hoping to extract just one more thing before falling on his own knife, in the form of suicide by separation. Of course, once independent, Quebec hopes to maintain an economic affliliation with Canada - now blinded on the job, Quebec will have to steal for life.
This tune was written in the late 80's/early 90's and to me, it speaks of the challenges English Canada has with the separatist movement in Quebec.
Cordelia, the dutiful and indulgent daughter, endured all manner of abuse. By refusing to be like Cordelia, Gord is advocating English Canada should refuse to be bullied by Quebec's dictates and demands. He articulates that Quebec must muster all of its energy to prove it is aggrieved and not fulfilled within confederation.
Treading the boards? The posturing of an actor as he makes his pronouncements, just like a politician, ranting his unhappiness and misery at the fate associated with coexistence.
Who jumps "in the ring with your hidden cape"? One who enters the political fray expressing national pride. Of course, the bull is Quebec, unable to decide if the hatred is for the cape (ie flag) or the bullfighter (the rest of Canada).
There are references to things being done just because they can - spitting from a bridge, jumping on a train etc., as well as the Tin Man reference - he of no heart. Quebec can do all these things in the current political environment, so it chooses to do so, whether it is logical and desirable or not.
Old antiques - time honoured grievances ... and of course, robbing a bank - transfer payments to an always financially dependent Quebec. Of course, this is also evident in the final verse, where the thief stays hoping to extract just one more thing before falling on his own knife, in the form of suicide by separation. Of course, once independent, Quebec hopes to maintain an economic affliliation with Canada - now blinded on the job, Quebec will have to steal for life.
Gotta love the Hip - provocative stuff.
Genius and true
Genius and true