I had a point of contention with my cousin, he claims the The Hip are Canada's REM. I disagree, Stipe and Downie's POV on their lyrics are vastly different. Stipe uses his lyrics to exorcise his inner demons and to point out society's foibles, Downie is a narrative writer with a vast knowledge of Canadian lore.
Bobcaygeon is a beautiful song based on a dark moment in Toronto's history. In the late 30's Antisemitism became almost mainstream and the KKK was at the height of it's power. They were slowly taking over municipal politics. The started a riot when KKK thugs disrupted a baseball game at Christie Pits between Toronto's Jewish and Italian communities. They thought they had the support of Toronto's Chief of Police, they didn't. There actions were condemned by three levels of government, a crackdown followed and the KKK were driven from the city. The day changed Canada's cultural outlook and one of the player's taking part was a young Johnny Lombardi.
Gordon Downie has tremendous courage for attempting another tour. Joe Pesci is correct, 2016 sucks big fuckin big elephant dicks!
Bobcaygeon is a beautiful song based on a dark moment in Toronto's history. In the late 30's Antisemitism became almost mainstream and the KKK was at the height of it's power. They were slowly taking over municipal politics. The started a riot when KKK thugs disrupted a baseball game at Christie Pits between Toronto's Jewish and Italian communities. They thought they had the support of Toronto's Chief of Police, they didn't. There actions were condemned by three levels of government, a crackdown followed and the KKK were driven from the city. The day changed Canada's cultural outlook and one of the player's taking part was a young Johnny Lombardi.
Gordon Downie has tremendous courage for attempting another tour. Joe Pesci is correct, 2016 sucks big fuckin big elephant dicks!
His lyrics will live on and he will be missed. 
