The Tragically Hip — Fiddlers Green
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Length: 4:22
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September Seventeen
For a girl I know it's Mother's Day
Here son has gone alee
And that's where he will stay
Wind on the weathervane
Tearing blue eyes sailor-mean
As Falstaff sings a sorrowful refrain
For a boy in Fiddler's Green
His tiny knotted heart
Well, I guess it never worked too good
The timber tore apart
And the water gorged the wood
You can hear her whispered prayer
For men at masts that always lean
That the same wind that moves her hair
Moves a boy through Fiddler's Green
He doesn't know a soul
And there's nowhere that he's really been
But he won't travel long alone
No, not in Fiddler's Green
Balloons all filled with rain
As children's eyes turn sleepy-mean
And Falstaff sings a sorrowful refrain
For a boy in Fiddler's Green
For a girl I know it's Mother's Day
Here son has gone alee
And that's where he will stay
Wind on the weathervane
Tearing blue eyes sailor-mean
As Falstaff sings a sorrowful refrain
For a boy in Fiddler's Green
His tiny knotted heart
Well, I guess it never worked too good
The timber tore apart
And the water gorged the wood
You can hear her whispered prayer
For men at masts that always lean
That the same wind that moves her hair
Moves a boy through Fiddler's Green
He doesn't know a soul
And there's nowhere that he's really been
But he won't travel long alone
No, not in Fiddler's Green
Balloons all filled with rain
As children's eyes turn sleepy-mean
And Falstaff sings a sorrowful refrain
For a boy in Fiddler's Green
Comments (191)add comment
Man, I still choke up every time I hear this.
What a great band.
Gord gone too soon. 💔
beautiful
optinout.ii wrote:
I miss this man.
In Gord We Trust
I miss this man.
In Gord We Trust
In Gord we trust.
Sitting in my office listening to this today as my friend carol lies in the hospital dying of brain cancer. cancer sucks
RP is one of the few places I can hear a track form my hometown band, The Hip. Another was in a grocery store in Craig, CO a couple years back. Didn't understand the crossover from muzak to RP but I'll take the tracks any way I can get 'em.
Stupid onions...
Bill thanks for including the classic in the play list. One of my all time favourites!!!!
Beautiful poignant song, apparently about the death of Gord's young nephew.
boomman8139 wrote:
Those of us Canadians who are not inclined towards all the implications of national pride are not as proud as others, but Gord was indeed a one of a kind talent. I have also cried over losing him. So, we have things in common. And luckily, we also have all the music he left us.. as Falstaff sings a sorrowful refrain..
Listening in my shop with RP in the background...wept for Gord and the empty space he left...we Canadians are so proud.
Those of us Canadians who are not inclined towards all the implications of national pride are not as proud as others, but Gord was indeed a one of a kind talent. I have also cried over losing him. So, we have things in common. And luckily, we also have all the music he left us.. as Falstaff sings a sorrowful refrain..
Happy birthday, Gord
somnium wrote:
c.
The Cavalrymen's Poem, also entitled "Fiddlers' Green" was published in the US Army's Cavalry Journal in 1923 and became associated with the 1st Cavalry Division.[10]
Halfway down the trail to Hell in a shady meadow green,
are the Souls of all dead troopers camped near a good old-time canteen,
and this eternal resting place is known as Fiddlers' Green.
Marching past, straight through to Hell, the Infantry are seen,
accompanied by the Engineers, Artillery and Marine,
for none but the shades of Cavalrymen dismount at Fiddlers' Green.
Though some go curving down the trail to seek a warmer scene,
no trooper ever gets to Hell ere he's emptied his canteen
and so rides back to drink again with friends at Fiddlers' Green.
And so when man and horse go down beneath a saber keen,
or in a roaring charge fierce melee you stop a bullet clean,
and the hostiles come to get your scalp,
just empty your canteen and put your pistol to your head
and go to Fiddlers' Green.
Fiddler's Green also makes a splendid cameo appearance in the Sandman comic which is almost exactly contemporary to this song. I wonder if one triggered the other. (Of course I know Fiddler's Green is an allusion going much further back than either.)
Wiki shows a cavalry-based version also. Equally sad.c.
The Cavalrymen's Poem, also entitled "Fiddlers' Green" was published in the US Army's Cavalry Journal in 1923 and became associated with the 1st Cavalry Division.[10]
Halfway down the trail to Hell in a shady meadow green,
are the Souls of all dead troopers camped near a good old-time canteen,
and this eternal resting place is known as Fiddlers' Green.
Marching past, straight through to Hell, the Infantry are seen,
accompanied by the Engineers, Artillery and Marine,
for none but the shades of Cavalrymen dismount at Fiddlers' Green.
Though some go curving down the trail to seek a warmer scene,
no trooper ever gets to Hell ere he's emptied his canteen
and so rides back to drink again with friends at Fiddlers' Green.
And so when man and horse go down beneath a saber keen,
or in a roaring charge fierce melee you stop a bullet clean,
and the hostiles come to get your scalp,
just empty your canteen and put your pistol to your head
and go to Fiddlers' Green.
drewd wrote:
Such a great song....
I miss this man.
Such a great song....
I miss this man.
Jusr great
Such a great song....
fatcatjb wrote:
Yep, sometimes I can't get thru it when i play it on my guitar either.
this song always tears my heart out...I was so moved that I learned it on my guitar, which just lead to a giant sobbing session. Powerful music, discovered right here on Radio Paradise
Yep, sometimes I can't get thru it when i play it on my guitar either.
trduff wrote:
Love Radio Paradise! I've heard several songs on here this week that I love that are sort of obscure. Not saying this is obscure. I like it. It has truly been Paradise for my ears since I subscribed and started listening. I love the mixes!!!
Love hearing The Hip on here.
Love Radio Paradise! I've heard several songs on here this week that I love that are sort of obscure. Not saying this is obscure. I like it. It has truly been Paradise for my ears since I subscribed and started listening. I love the mixes!!!
trduff wrote:
Me too!
Love hearing The Hip on here.
Me too!
Love hearing The Hip on here.
peace my country men
Grown men do cry.
Sigh, I miss the Hip.
There are 2 kinds of people: those who like Rush and those who don't.
Which one are you Bill?
Rush would much better serve for Canadian content, although we have room for both bands.
I remember this album coming out either late 80's or maybe 1990 while living in Montreal and thinking how good it was for a 3rd album in a row. And hoping there were more good songs and albums in the band's future. Thankfully, the Hip was still on an upward trajectory and stayed so for years and years to come. Thanks for many, many great memories over the years. I was fortunate to have seen the Hip perform not once but twice in New Orleans while living there, and to be one of only a couple of hundred in the audience made the experience all the more special. RIP, Gord.
I cry whenever I head a Hip song these days. The last comment really nailed it: There's a gaping void left in this country where Gord was. Knowing there'll be no more of his poetry is almost too much to bear. I always remember how he stood up in their final show and called out Justin Trudeau (A longtime fan who was in attentance that night), saying that he had to keep his promises.
This is the story behind this song, by the way: https://mysendoff.com/2014/05/...
This is the story behind this song, by the way: https://mysendoff.com/2014/05/...
Still missing Gord. 
rockin' 
Brings tears. The song and the loss of a great artist. A great and under appreciated band (at least south of the border).
Miss ya, Gord 
Please play more Tragically Hip!
8 American, 9 Canadian. Just like money. ;-)
Cannot be said enough...
Thanks Gord.
Here's to the rest of the boys. Hip. Forever.
Thanks Gord.
Here's to the rest of the boys. Hip. Forever.
this song completely carries me away...tragically so
Goddamn. What a piece of music. What a man.
So beautiful.
So beautiful.
Fair Winds to Gord.....
R.I.P. sir Gord.
vanillagorilla wrote:
Should there by any ratings by American folks, they should be adjusted up by one (9=10) for parity purposes.
Thanks Gord ... solid 9
Should there by any ratings by American folks, they should be adjusted up by one (9=10) for parity purposes.
Listening in my shop with RP in the background...wept for Gord and the empty space he left...we Canadians are so proud.
Thanks Gord ... solid 9
A true Canadian gift to the rest of the world
Gawd I love this band. Gord Downie is going to live forever.
The link to stream tonights (Aug. 20, 2016, 8:30 PM Eastern) final performance of the Tragically Hip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6pwkHjRWuM&feature=player_embedded
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6pwkHjRWuM&feature=player_embedded
Very sad to know that today is their last concert ever. I saw them for the first time in a small club in Moncton, New Brunswick back in 1988. End of an era.
How fitting that you play this today. Tonight will likely be "The Hips" last concert.
***sigh*** Hearing this today, while always a treat, made my heart hurt.
For those who haven't heard, Gord Downie, lead singer, has been diagnosed with cancer but the band is pushing ahead with a tour this summer:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/gord-downie-cancer-1.3596839
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/gord-downie-cancer-1.3596839
Great sadness fills my heart.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/gord-downie-cancer-1.3596839
Oh, Gord. Looking forward to seeing you one last time this summer.
Oh man, so bittersweet to hear this given the news. And just now hearing on the radio how fans are being shut out of the final tour by scalpers.
i was doing something else
had to stop and see who this is
very good track
had to stop and see who this is
very good track
Beautiful song, beautiful lyrics. Thanks Mr & Mrs G.
Fiddler's Green also makes a splendid cameo appearance in the Sandman comic which is almost exactly contemporary to this song. I wonder if one triggered the other. (Of course I know Fiddler's Green is an allusion going much further back than either.)
I never tire of this one. Thanks Gord and the boys.
ha ha snort 
TerryS wrote:
Nope, no one-legged flautists here.
TerryS wrote:
Nope, no one-legged flautists here.
Lurve. Always have. Always will.
Cynaera wrote:
miss you so much, Cynaera... love this song...
I first thought: "She Talks To Angels" by Black Crowes, "Melissa" by Allman Brothers... and then the vocals began and the song became its own. I really like it. Sometimes, one just needs a slower, slightly-bluesy beat and a sorrowful vocal...
miss you so much, Cynaera... love this song...
this song always tears my heart out...I was so moved that I learned it on my guitar, which just lead to a giant sobbing session. Powerful music, discovered right here on Radio Paradise
merkin_muffley wrote:
They are still great. Last two albums had lots of gems.
90's Hip were superb. Listened to this album and Fully Completely a lot and still do. Lost their way over the last decade but can still put on a good live show.
They are still great. Last two albums had lots of gems.
Thanks RP for playing the Hip. They are a great band and (I thought) pretty much unknown outside of Canada. Play more!
For a moment thought this was Eli
90's Hip were superb. Listened to this album and Fully Completely a lot and still do. Lost their way over the last decade but can still put on a good live show.
Very so so. Don't need to hear it again.
Hip opened second half of show, after intermission, with 3 acoustic numbers. Robbie Baker can really make his electric scream and he is extremely artful when they go "unplugged". The acoustic numbers are always on their albums and provide a nice change of pace.
Great song from Gordon Downie and the Tragically Hip, from a fabulous album. Sample some more from this musical well Bill.
Love the song. Love the lyrics. Love the Hip.
huebdoo wrote:
OH my ... thoughts come rushing in of being at a wake of my childhood friend who died in a car crash in my hometown on the central coast of BC. We were in the local watering hole, we had all come back from Vancouver and points east to say goodbye to our friend... I remember driving back that night to Vancouver and didnt want to get out of the car when pulling into the ferry, I was still in my suit and sat in my little Rabbit with this song playing on the deck. I remember balling my eyes out thinking of him and playing street hockey, kick the can, talking about the girls getting boobs ... How a song can bring back thoughts - Thanks so very much Bill for that - its almost 15 years ago now.
OH my ... thoughts come rushing in of being at a wake of my childhood friend who died in a car crash in my hometown on the central coast of BC. We were in the local watering hole, we had all come back from Vancouver and points east to say goodbye to our friend... I remember driving back that night to Vancouver and didnt want to get out of the car when pulling into the ferry, I was still in my suit and sat in my little Rabbit with this song playing on the deck. I remember balling my eyes out thinking of him and playing street hockey, kick the can, talking about the girls getting boobs ... How a song can bring back thoughts - Thanks so very much Bill for that - its almost 15 years ago now.
This is a wonderful tribute to your friend. Thanks for sharing it.
Black Crowes meets some country music dude meets a very nice but melancholy song.
Just passing it on: TH says:
"Tune in to Hockey Night In Canada, at the end of the pre-game show (Saturday May 12th), around 7:30pm ET, for the world premiere of our new single At Transformation."
"Tune in to Hockey Night In Canada, at the end of the pre-game show (Saturday May 12th), around 7:30pm ET, for the world premiere of our new single At Transformation."
Thanks for sharing this...gives me the chills big time.
huebdoo wrote:
huebdoo wrote:
OH my ... thoughts come rushing in of being at a wake of my childhood friend who died in a car crash in my hometown on the central coast of BC. We were in the local watering hole, we had all come back from Vancouver and points east to say goodbye to our friend... I remember driving back that night to Vancouver and didnt want to get out of the car when pulling into the ferry, I was still in my suit and sat in my little Rabbit with this song playing on the deck. I remember balling my eyes out thinking of him and playing street hockey, kick the can, talking about the girls getting boobs ... How a song can bring back thoughts - Thanks so very much Bill for that - its almost 15 years ago now.
shawshank wrote:
A mother buried her child. the part of a cemetery reserved for the young is often referred to as 'Fiddler's Green' - a passage to a better place.
What is the song about?
A mother buried her child. the part of a cemetery reserved for the young is often referred to as 'Fiddler's Green' - a passage to a better place.
stabby wrote:
love the Hip, esp the ALL the songs you listed up there.
Yes a great unknown tune from this band. They lean towards more rocky tunes for sure - New Orleans is Sinking, 50 Mission Cap, Nautical Disaster, Blow at High Dough, Ahead by a Century, etc. Unique voice that may take some adjusting to for new listeners but well worth the effort.
https://www.the-top-tens.com/lists/best-tragically-hip-songs.asp
If you like this slowish tune, you may like Bobcaygeon, Wheat Kings, 38 Years Old. But Fiddler's Green definitely has a more Celtic / Maritime feel to it that is not so prevalent in their other stuff.
https://www.the-top-tens.com/lists/best-tragically-hip-songs.asp
If you like this slowish tune, you may like Bobcaygeon, Wheat Kings, 38 Years Old. But Fiddler's Green definitely has a more Celtic / Maritime feel to it that is not so prevalent in their other stuff.
love the Hip, esp the ALL the songs you listed up there.
The voice, very different.
RedGuitar wrote:
Nope, no one-legged flautists here.
I always think this is Jethro Tull!
Nope, no one-legged flautists here.
I always think this is Jethro Tull!
shawshank wrote:
...about four minutes or so.
What is the song about?
...about four minutes or so.
bump:
huebdoo wrote:
huebdoo wrote:
OH my ... thoughts come rushing in of being at a wake of my childhood friend who died in a car crash in my hometown on the central coast of BC. We were in the local watering hole, we had all come back from Vancouver and points east to say goodbye to our friend... I remember driving back that night to Vancouver and didnt want to get out of the car when pulling into the ferry, I was still in my suit and sat in my little Rabbit with this song playing on the deck. I remember balling my eyes out thinking of him and playing street hockey, kick the can, talking about the girls getting boobs ... How a song can bring back thoughts - Thanks so very much Bill for that - its almost 15 years ago now.
Great band go see them live.
Love it!
hauntingly beautiful...
shawshank wrote:
What is the song about?
Heaven.What is the song about?
Yes a great unknown tune from this band. They lean towards more rocky tunes for sure - New Orleans is Sinking, 50 Mission Cap, Nautical Disaster, Blow at High Dough, Ahead by a Century, etc. Unique voice that may take some adjusting to for new listeners but well worth the effort.
https://www.the-top-tens.com/lists/best-tragically-hip-songs.asp
If you like this slowish tune, you may like Bobcaygeon, Wheat Kings, 38 Years Old. But Fiddler's Green definitely has a more Celtic / Maritime feel to it that is not so prevalent in their other stuff.
https://www.the-top-tens.com/lists/best-tragically-hip-songs.asp
If you like this slowish tune, you may like Bobcaygeon, Wheat Kings, 38 Years Old. But Fiddler's Green definitely has a more Celtic / Maritime feel to it that is not so prevalent in their other stuff.
Mountains, an Airstream and a horse ... Yukon here I come, eh?
Happy Canada Day everybody!
Gordon is Canada's "Hip Poet Laureate". If you like this check out the poetry in the rest of the Hip's music, Gordon's solo efforts, and his poetry. One of the most intense artists I have ever seen.
Really great song.
Tough to beat some TH...catch them live if possible...rewarding...
Wow! It has been twenty years? This disc is still in my car's CD player.
kjf06 wrote:
I second that.... an all time great.
One of the best band names ever
I second that.... an all time great.
My favorite is still "50 Mission Cap".
One of the best band names ever
Nice tune! At first, thought it sounded like Jethro Tull.
Bumping from 8 to 9. This song just gives me chills, it's so good...
jules44 wrote:
Yes!
Double YES!
Yes!
Double YES!
colleen wrote:
Third album:
Tragically Hip - self-titled (edit: best song off this one was probably Highway Girl, and maybe Small Town Bringdown)
Up To Here
Road Apples
This song is the gem off the second album...
Third album:
Tragically Hip - self-titled (edit: best song off this one was probably Highway Girl, and maybe Small Town Bringdown)
Up To Here
Road Apples
wow, where has this song been? please move this up in rotation. 8.
musickat wrote:
Yes!
It's about time. You been slackin off on The Hip lately Bill..... MORE HIP PLEASE 
Yes!
It's about time. You been slackin off on The Hip lately Bill..... MORE HIP PLEASE
Nice song, just slightly annoying voice:)
I first thought: "She Talks To Angels" by Black Crowes, "Melissa" by Allman Brothers... and then the vocals began and the song became its own. I really like it. Sometimes, one just needs a slower, slightly-bluesy beat and a sorrowful vocal...
Nice!
From Wiki, another poem about fiddler's green:
The cavalrymen's poem
Halfway down the trail to Hell,
In a shady meadow green
Are the Souls of all dead troopers camped,
Near a good old-time canteen.
And this eternal resting place
Is known as Fiddlers' Green.
Marching past, straight through to Hell
The Infantry are seen.
Accompanied by the Engineers,
Artillery and Marines,
For none but the shades of Cavalrymen
Dismount at Fiddlers' Green.
Though some go curving down the trail
To seek a warmer scene.
No trooper ever gets to Hell
Ere he's emptied his canteen.
And so rides back to drink again
With friends at Fiddlers' Green.
And so when man and horse go down
Beneath a saber keen,
Or in a roaring charge of fierce melee
You stop a bullet clean,
And the hostiles come to get your scalp,
Just empty your canteen,
And put your pistol to your head
And go to Fiddlers' Green.
One of the BEST F*cking songs EVER. Amazing lyrics, Gord! Sad and true.
HIP HIP HIP!
HIP HIP HIP!
ortallcowgirl wrote:
If you've ever seen the Hip, you would say rock n roll. This is just one of their slow tunes.
I love this music. Shows that some country playing can be good for the ears.....Maybe this is more bluegrass/folk and not country, per say.
If you've ever seen the Hip, you would say rock n roll. This is just one of their slow tunes.
Canada's house band. :)
I love this music. Shows that some country playing can be good for the ears.....Maybe this is more bluegrass/folk and not country, per say.
Can't get enough of that Hip - Bill, feel free to play them every day!
Excellent ... and no complaints that it sounds too country.
I knew you guys were good...but this seals it for me. Awesome.
colleen wrote:
This is one of my favourite songs by The Hip. The reason I love RP.... only the world's best radio station would play this little gem off their second album....
This song is terrific. One of the Hips best.
Nothing wrong with a little Canadian content. Any song by these boys is a keeper, let me tell ya...
andrewmi wrote:
Agreed! May we have more?
wow, that was really good...
Agreed! May we have more?
Gives you the chills.
wow, that was really good...