The Tragically Hip — Pigeon Camera
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Total ratings: 1946
Length: 4:30
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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It was handsome at the auction
Oh but when we got it home
It grew up into
Something we could no longer contain
Where's our pigeon camera
By now he could be anywhere
And after all that training
And after all that training
Was something we could no longer contain
It's boring (boring)
I'm embarrassed (embarrassed of it)
I don't endorse that (slammed in my face)
I didn't want this
This house it has it politics
Over there that's my room
And that's my sister's
And that's my sister
With something we could no longer contain
It's boring (boring)
I'm embarrassed (embarrassed of it)
I don't endorse that (slammed in my face)
I didn't want this (boring)
It's horrific (boring)
I'm embarrassed (embarrassed of it)
I didn't want that (slammed in my face)
I didn't want this
It's like we burned our boots
With no contingency plan
Oh but when we got it home
It grew up into
Something we could no longer contain
Where's our pigeon camera
By now he could be anywhere
And after all that training
And after all that training
Was something we could no longer contain
It's boring (boring)
I'm embarrassed (embarrassed of it)
I don't endorse that (slammed in my face)
I didn't want this
This house it has it politics
Over there that's my room
And that's my sister's
And that's my sister
With something we could no longer contain
It's boring (boring)
I'm embarrassed (embarrassed of it)
I don't endorse that (slammed in my face)
I didn't want this (boring)
It's horrific (boring)
I'm embarrassed (embarrassed of it)
I didn't want that (slammed in my face)
I didn't want this
It's like we burned our boots
With no contingency plan
Comments (234)add comment
It has been a long dry spell on hearing the Hip here lately. Thanks for spin RP, I’ve missed hearing them. RIP Gord.
Saw them at First Avenue in Minneapolis on their final concert tour. It was a special night.
Some RHCP here
I was thinking yesterday that I haven't heard any of their songs on RP for a while - sublime :)
Whenever I hear Gord I feel joy and sadness at the same time. What a poet!
Greetings from Northern Ontario.
Greetings from Northern Ontario.
Sad, yesterday would have been his 60th birthday. Happy celestial birthday, Gord, and thank you for some of the very best concerts I ever saw, and the countless hours I have spent listening to you. You were an unparalleled poet/lyricist/singer.
What a great group, what great tunes they made! Gord's legacy shines eternally! Their often obscure, incredibly deep, cerebral lyrics, solid, catchy, JAMMING musicianship, and passion-filled and heart-fueled singing styles are reminiscent, for me, of R.E.M., and I revere and worship them accordingly.
Love ya, Gord!
It warms my heart to hear the Tragically Hip on Radio Paradise. Thanks Bill.
Thanks for playing this gem and calling Gord out by name...a nation still misses him. Especially in these dog days of summer when they're a staple of camping campfires.
khardog145 wrote:
Not Canadian. Fortunately, though Tragically Hip were loved in Chicago and played a lot on WXRT radio station. It was impossible to get tickets as they would immediately sell out, so never got to see them live in one of the many venues in Chicago.
The same exact thing goes for Buffalo, NY. In fact there's a large Gord mural here. One of my greatest regrets is not ever getting to see them perform live.
Not Canadian. Fortunately, though Tragically Hip were loved in Chicago and played a lot on WXRT radio station. It was impossible to get tickets as they would immediately sell out, so never got to see them live in one of the many venues in Chicago.
The same exact thing goes for Buffalo, NY. In fact there's a large Gord mural here. One of my greatest regrets is not ever getting to see them perform live.
In Gord We Trust.
They just released their album Live at The Roxy today from 1991 saying it was one of, if not the best, concert they ever did.
gubbin wrote:
I was doing sound at a bar in Winnipeg when they were on their very first western Canada tour... My total understanding of music changed by seeing this 'unheard of' band.
I was most impressed by their back stage presence. They were all sitting reading books...
Sometimes I wish I had a camera for that moment but a photo would have broken the spell of that deep moment.
I still well up inside when I listen to his voice. Just like the first time.
RIP Gord. He tried his hardest to sing his stories right up to the very end, like the Canadian national hero he was. :)
I was doing sound at a bar in Winnipeg when they were on their very first western Canada tour... My total understanding of music changed by seeing this 'unheard of' band.
I was most impressed by their back stage presence. They were all sitting reading books...
Sometimes I wish I had a camera for that moment but a photo would have broken the spell of that deep moment.
I still well up inside when I listen to his voice. Just like the first time.
I miss it all. FU Father Time Hip will always be part of my fond memories in life.
Saw them at First Ave in Minneapolis shortly before he died. Great concert.
Miss you Gord…
Oh Canada, thank you for sharing The Hip with us. Sadly, tragically too short a time.
Thank you RP for keeping the touch burning!
khardog145 wrote:
Not Canadian. Fortunately, though Tragically Hip were loved in Chicago and played a lot on WXRT radio station. It was impossible to get tickets as they would immediately sell out, so never got to see them live in one of the many venues in Chicago.
I am Canadian. Back in the Late 80's & early 90's I spend a lot of time in Chicago. (I love that city, by the way)
Anyway.. I remember listening to the Hip on the radio there and feeling quite good that a little Canadian band is getting attention in Chicago.
Cant recall the station call letters; but it was with those guys that did the Disco Demolition.
Not Canadian. Fortunately, though Tragically Hip were loved in Chicago and played a lot on WXRT radio station. It was impossible to get tickets as they would immediately sell out, so never got to see them live in one of the many venues in Chicago.
I am Canadian. Back in the Late 80's & early 90's I spend a lot of time in Chicago. (I love that city, by the way)
Anyway.. I remember listening to the Hip on the radio there and feeling quite good that a little Canadian band is getting attention in Chicago.
Cant recall the station call letters; but it was with those guys that did the Disco Demolition.
I'll never forget watching their final concert on a big screen inside a dry curling rink with hundreds of other locals, tears streaming down my cheeks the whole time. It seemed that the entire country was watching.
dkwalika wrote:
They actually cut away from their live broadcast of the Summer Olympics, thinking of the fees to have the rights to the Olympics broadcast makes your good point all the better.
The fact that they cut away from Hockey Night in Canada to his last concert says it all. Goosebumps.
They actually cut away from their live broadcast of the Summer Olympics, thinking of the fees to have the rights to the Olympics broadcast makes your good point all the better.
Fantastic
I really really miss the hip .....
hifigreg wrote:
Not Canadian. Fortunately, though Tragically Hip were loved in Chicago and played a lot on WXRT radio station. It was impossible to get tickets as they would immediately sell out, so never got to see them live in one of the many venues in Chicago.
Heard the opening 2 notes, gave it a 9 before the first bar was done.
But that was a mistake, because in my haste, had meant to hit 10.
Fixed.
If you're not Canadian, you might not know the deeply Canuck feeling this band brings to so many of us.
This album, for me, is at the very top of the desert island list.
And I'd be okay if it was the only one.
RIP, Gord.
And LLRP for all the good you bring out in the world.
But that was a mistake, because in my haste, had meant to hit 10.
Fixed.
If you're not Canadian, you might not know the deeply Canuck feeling this band brings to so many of us.
This album, for me, is at the very top of the desert island list.
And I'd be okay if it was the only one.
RIP, Gord.
And LLRP for all the good you bring out in the world.
Not Canadian. Fortunately, though Tragically Hip were loved in Chicago and played a lot on WXRT radio station. It was impossible to get tickets as they would immediately sell out, so never got to see them live in one of the many venues in Chicago.
hifigreg wrote:
So right there with you. Fortunate to have seen them across North America including four shows in the US, and while this isn't my favorite Hip album, it was for a looonnngggg time.
I actually just put this album back on my phone and heard this song earlier this week while out for a run. The music is great, and Gord was a master lyricist. And vocalist. RIP Gord indeed.
RP, thanks for keeping The Hip on your playlist. Canadians across the globe pine for more, and this Canadian living in San Diego always appreciates your choices.
Heard the opening 2 notes, gave it a 9 before the first bar was done.
But that was a mistake, because in my haste, had meant to hit 10.
Fixed.
If you're not Canadian, you might not know the deeply Canuck feeling this band brings to so many of us.
This album, for me, is at the very top of the desert island list.
And I'd be okay if it was the only one.
RIP, Gord.
And LLRP for all the good you bring out in the world.
But that was a mistake, because in my haste, had meant to hit 10.
Fixed.
If you're not Canadian, you might not know the deeply Canuck feeling this band brings to so many of us.
This album, for me, is at the very top of the desert island list.
And I'd be okay if it was the only one.
RIP, Gord.
And LLRP for all the good you bring out in the world.
So right there with you. Fortunate to have seen them across North America including four shows in the US, and while this isn't my favorite Hip album, it was for a looonnngggg time.
I actually just put this album back on my phone and heard this song earlier this week while out for a run. The music is great, and Gord was a master lyricist. And vocalist. RIP Gord indeed.
RP, thanks for keeping The Hip on your playlist. Canadians across the globe pine for more, and this Canadian living in San Diego always appreciates your choices.
Heard the opening 2 notes, gave it a 9 before the first bar was done.
But that was a mistake, because in my haste, had meant to hit 10.
Fixed.
If you're not Canadian, you might not know the deeply Canuck feeling this band brings to so many of us.
This album, for me, is at the very top of the desert island list.
And I'd be okay if it was the only one.
RIP, Gord.
And LLRP for all the good you bring out in the world.
But that was a mistake, because in my haste, had meant to hit 10.
Fixed.
If you're not Canadian, you might not know the deeply Canuck feeling this band brings to so many of us.
This album, for me, is at the very top of the desert island list.
And I'd be okay if it was the only one.
RIP, Gord.
And LLRP for all the good you bring out in the world.
Ipse_Dixit wrote:
Comments Gord Downie made when performing it live suggest it was about the Quebec referendum for independence in the 90s, and the duality of the Canadian identiy.
Love this song, but am curious what it is about... does it have something to do with incest or am I reading too much into the lyrics? Anyone know?
Comments Gord Downie made when performing it live suggest it was about the Quebec referendum for independence in the 90s, and the duality of the Canadian identiy.
The fact that they cut away from Hockey Night in Canada to his last concert says it all. Goosebumps.
Love this song, but am curious what it is about... does it have something to do with incest or am I reading too much into the lyrics? Anyone know?
More Hip please!
One of my favorite albums! THank you Gord for everything! Smile
Gord Downie: gone but not ever forgotten! Helluva voice and tremendous lyricist to boot. Every time I hear one of their tunes I remember the summer we found out he had a short time to live, and he still toured with the band, makes me tear up to think of what it must have cost him...
westslope wrote:
More black and white?
So what would the Hip have sounded like with keyboards?
More black and white?
One of the Best Rock Groups to ever come out of Canada.....Canadian Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!!…..as good as anybody anywhere!!….Check out "Ahead by a Century"....theme song for Netflix Series..."Anne with an E"!
One of their most beautiful, haunting songs. For reasons I can't explain I get goosebumps from this lyric:
This house it has it politics
Over there that's my room
And that's my sister's
And that's my sister
With something we could no longer contain.
Thanks, RP!
This house it has it politics
Over there that's my room
And that's my sister's
And that's my sister
With something we could no longer contain.
Thanks, RP!
tulfan wrote:
I see what you did there
I wonder if Bill has the "Courage" to play anything else off this disk?
I see what you did there
So what would the Hip have sounded like with keyboards?
BCarn wrote:
LOL
Another sleeper by the Tragically Boring.
LOL
gubbin wrote:
I still feel like I am going to cry every time I hear a "Hip" tune. His solo thing called "The Secret Path" was a real tear jerker. I can't get through it without stopping it, sobbing, then starting it again, only to sob some more. Amazing artist and one of the nicest men I have ever met and had a conversation with.
RIP Gord. He tried his hardest to sing his stories right up to the very end, like the Canadian national hero he was. :)
I still feel like I am going to cry every time I hear a "Hip" tune. His solo thing called "The Secret Path" was a real tear jerker. I can't get through it without stopping it, sobbing, then starting it again, only to sob some more. Amazing artist and one of the nicest men I have ever met and had a conversation with.
Well done. Sun sets on a warm camp fire as you provide the memories. Thank you.
Another sleeper by the Tragically Boring.
RIP Gord. He tried his hardest to sing his stories right up to the very end, like the Canadian national hero he was. :)
Bill and Rebecca,
Not only do you have an impeccable sense of what is great music in so many genres but it is great to listen to this band on the 2nd day of a third Canada Day 150 celebration.
Not only do you have an impeccable sense of what is great music in so many genres but it is great to listen to this band on the 2nd day of a third Canada Day 150 celebration.
T-Hip....great start to hump day..... :-)
This is the most interesting song I've heard for quite a while here.
Hearing this voice today reminds me of Peter Garrett of Midnight Oil (& makes me want to hear 'Truganini'). The guitar is QUITE BRIL!
In Gord We Trust.
my favourite Hip album......a Canadian classic!
The Hip guitarists Rob Baker and Paul Langlois do not get anywhere near the credit they deserve for the quality of this band. I don't think I've heard their names once in all the press coverage of the final tour. They have an incredibly nuanced, balanced way of playing together that really supports the song (not just louder guitars). I've always thought this tune is exhibit A on this point.
From Canada (Yukon) with love...
From Canada (Yukon) with love...
one of our national treasures for sure...here was a very poignant interview he did last night on the CBC
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/gord-downie-cancer-cbc-interview-1.3804383
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/gord-downie-cancer-cbc-interview-1.3804383
Nice pick! Love this song and this band. Best wishes to Gordie. He is genius and an inspiration.
S-curvy wrote:
Eddie Vedder has some kind words for Gord Downie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J10F17ed9mo
Very sad news. My heart goes out to my Canuck neighbors to the north, thank you for the Hip, and we too will miss one of your other Great Ones.
Bill, thanks for sharing this Tragic news lead, and thank you for turning us onto the Hip.
Bill, thanks for sharing this Tragic news lead, and thank you for turning us onto the Hip.
Eddie Vedder has some kind words for Gord Downie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J10F17ed9mo
Very sad news. My heart goes out to my Canuck neighbors to the north, thank you for the Hip, and we too will miss one of your other Great Ones.
Bill, thanks for sharing this Tragic news lead, and thank you for turning us onto the Hip.
Bill, thanks for sharing this Tragic news lead, and thank you for turning us onto the Hip.
Great Canadian band. Sad about Gord Downey having cancer
At first I thought it was Mick Jagger singing...
nice guitar indeed...
Wishing the best for Gord Downie.
a big, big band here in Canada. Sad news about Gord :(
Very sad.
Sad....just read today about Gord's terminal cancer, and their upcoming "goodbye" tour for fans before he dies. Sad.
So sad to hear the news about Gord. :( A huge part of your life if you grew up in Canada in the '90s.
Really liking this. A lot.
On_The_Beach wrote:
This is easily their best CD. Pretty much every track is excellent.
You're right my friend. It's getting lots of spins in the car. Enjoying every track.
This is easily their best CD. Pretty much every track is excellent.
You're right my friend. It's getting lots of spins in the car. Enjoying every track.
DaidyBoy wrote:
This is easily their best CD. Pretty much every track is excellent.
Good stuff. Might even invest.
This is easily their best CD. Pretty much every track is excellent.
You are playing great music Bill & Rebecca
If you live in a jurisdiction where you are allowed only one Hip album, choose this one.
it's true, fine stuff here, kind of cerebral yet cool
I've always lumped them i with other '90s bands... Today, they sound different... Better...
I like to the natural guitar on this song, no over make-up with the effects, sounds fresh!!
Good stuff. Might even invest.
The singing takes some getting used to (except on New Orleans Is Sinking where it fits perfectly) but I gotta say the guitar is SUPERB!
They have a tour in new year where they play this whole album. A very complete selection that plays well live. IMOHO their second best album after Up to Here. Thanks for playing cancon in California...do you folks want to become another province...we like you ð
tulfan wrote:
That would be wonderful
I wonder if Bill has the "Courage" to play anything else off this disk?
That would be wonderful
Me likee.
I wonder if Bill has the "Courage" to play anything else off this disk?
undo_silence wrote:
That's part of their charm... Good music and the WHITEST sounding lead singer EVER!
this isn't a good song. bad singing. 
That's part of their charm... Good music and the WHITEST sounding lead singer EVER!
this isn't a good song. bad singing.
On_The_Beach wrote:
You might wanna leave the "9 federal prisons" off the tourism brochure. Just a thought.
Bwahahahahhaa
You might wanna leave the "9 federal prisons" off the tourism brochure. Just a thought.
Bwahahahahhaa
Peter_K wrote:
Just go listen to commercial radio and you'll never have to worry about hearing Tragically Hip..
Unless your listening in Canada...but then you'd probably not care.
Just go listen to commercial radio and you'll never have to worry about hearing Tragically Hip..
Unless your listening in Canada...but then you'd probably not care.
msymmes wrote:
You might wanna leave the "9 federal prisons" off the tourism brochure. Just a thought.
Great band from Kingston Ontario. Former capital of Canada. Home of Queens University. Home of the Royal Military College (Canada's Westpoint) and 9 federal prisons.
You might wanna leave the "9 federal prisons" off the tourism brochure. Just a thought.
aspicer wrote:
A wonderful point!
Well that's not quite true here in Buffalo. But then again, unlike Sarah Palin and Russia, you *can* see Canada from here.
A wonderful point!
Well that's not quite true here in Buffalo. But then again, unlike Sarah Palin and Russia, you *can* see Canada from here.
Saw them in Amsterdam a while ago, such a great live performance
The Hip. Say no more!
RichardArthur wrote:
Agreed.
Love Gord Downie's unique voice and the always reliable interplay in the swampy guitars!
Agreed.
Peter_K wrote:
Just go listen to commercial radio and you'll never have to worry about hearing Tragically Hip..
A wonderful point!
Just go listen to commercial radio and you'll never have to worry about hearing Tragically Hip..
A wonderful point!
lily34 wrote:
Just go listen to commercial radio and you'll never have to worry about hearing Tragically Hip..
ugh...i wish this band would go away.
Just go listen to commercial radio and you'll never have to worry about hearing Tragically Hip..
Good Job RP, you can never play enough Hip.
Ghoooosts appear and faaade away...
Just got down to Kingston this week. Drove down "Tragically Hip Way". Yes they named a street after them and rightly so.
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2012/02/22/kingston_gets_tragically_hip_way.html
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2012/02/22/kingston_gets_tragically_hip_way.html
Great band from Kingston Ontario. Former capital of Canada. Home of Queens University. Home of the Royal Military College (Canada's Westpoint) and 9 federal prisons.
I was lucky enough to see the Hip live twice while I was working in Toronoto for a summer a long time ago.
That was a VERY good summer.
That was a VERY good summer.
The best band name ever!
BikeCoachDave wrote:
Agreed ! I wanna hear "Bobcaygeon".
I love that R.P. plays Tragically Hip. Thank you Bill.
Agreed ! I wanna hear "Bobcaygeon".
Love Gord Downie's unique voice and the always reliable interplay in the swampy guitars!
It might be a better song if he could sing.
Love the music, really don't care for the singer's voice. I think it ruins it.
tercel wrote:
Thanks for playing the Hip! They're such a great band, and it makes us Canadians feel special :)
I love that R.P. plays Tragically Hip. Thank you Bill.
It's tragic, you gotta give it that.
ugh...i wish this band would go away.
Another great song from the Hip's best album.
cr8n wrote:
Weird. One of faves from them...love the eerie feel...
A weaker song from my favourite band.
Weird. One of faves from them...love the eerie feel...
Thanks for playing the Hip! They're such a great band, and it makes us Canadians feel special :)
Yes the more HIP the Better!!!! Seen them twice in the states....will they come back? Play anything and everthing by them. 
Very glad to hear this. The Hip have so many great songs. I often wonder why we don't hear more of them on RP. I would especially love to hear "Highway Girl" on Halloween.
Poacher wrote:
I think the humor here is more tragic than the hip replacement... However, dry humor is good humor to me.
On a side note, 6 > 7 I think. Either I'm more in a mood for this kind of song or I was being more critical when I rated it.
They have been going for so long, if any of the band members leave, will they get a hip replacement?
boober wrote:tragically,yes
I think the humor here is more tragic than the hip replacement... However, dry humor is good humor to me.
On a side note, 6 > 7 I think. Either I'm more in a mood for this kind of song or I was being more critical when I rated it.
The_Enemy wrote:
Mine too. I've seen the Hip play a few times. They are awesome live!
Mine too ! Used to watch them do covers at the Manor back in the day before they were famous
Mine too. I've seen the Hip play a few times. They are awesome live!
Mine too ! Used to watch them do covers at the Manor back in the day before they were famous
jules44 wrote:
I beg to differ. One of the BEST songs from a great album.
Agreed! Great Album, wonderful live band...not the best song from the lp but good for the non-hipsters to enjoy.
I beg to differ. One of the BEST songs from a great album.
cr8n wrote:
Agreed! Great Album, wonderful live band...not the best song from the lp but good for the non-hipsters to enjoy.
A weaker song from my favourite band.
Agreed! Great Album, wonderful live band...not the best song from the lp but good for the non-hipsters to enjoy.
Poacher wrote:
They have been going for so long, if any of the band members leave, will they get a hip replacement?
tragically,yesA weaker song from my favourite band.
Hey, MickMan, where you at? 
I must see live. Gord rips to hell out of this with screaming vocals, the power is missing on this version (though it is good). Basically imagine this played with the amps set to 11. They did a tour recently playing smaller venue. 3 nights at the Arts Centre hear. I thought I had a concussion when I left but didn't notice while I was there. It was great and yes I am older!
Awesome! So enjoyable - and to think the rest of the album has many more great songs! Thanks RP for playing great tunes!
They have been going for so long, if any of the band members leave, will they get a hip replacement?
Office door closed; speakers up.
Best Hip song - and album. Period.
Best Hip song - and album. Period.
The sad fact is; these guys are hip.
Mikebincaledon wrote:
Definitely one of the quieter songs on the album, but I wouldn't say "weaker". This is one of the clear signs of Downie's future direction of more amorphous/poetic lyricism whereas much of the rest of the album still clings to the more literal lyrics of prior releases. This is one of my favorite Hip songs largely because of that.
This is actually one of the weaker songs on one of the best albums by the Hip! If you haven't heard the whole album, think about downloading it. They are legends here in Canada.
Definitely one of the quieter songs on the album, but I wouldn't say "weaker". This is one of the clear signs of Downie's future direction of more amorphous/poetic lyricism whereas much of the rest of the album still clings to the more literal lyrics of prior releases. This is one of my favorite Hip songs largely because of that.
steff wrote:
Mine too. I've seen the Hip play a few times. They are awesome live!
From my Home town! They're great.
Mine too. I've seen the Hip play a few times. They are awesome live!