On Tuesday, Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie announced that he has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Years before Drake’s “YOLO” motto was Downie’s eloquent phrase, one that the former Degrassi star can definitely appreciate. Downie’s most frequent lyrical inspirations might include the minutiae of Canadian life, the nature of tigers and — of course — New Orleans, but his wistful words are often filled with affirmations of hope and an appreciation of life in the face of its inevitable end. But through the anger comes a line about resilience that foreshadows Downie’s decision to continue touring in the face of his terminal diagnosis and treatment. Away we go It’s a shame to leave this masterpiece With its gallery gods and its garbage-bag trees”A song about explorer Jacques Cartier’s discovery of our home and native land, Downie’s lyrics feature plenty of references to Canada’s beauty.

Source: National Post May 24, 2016 21:52 UTC