Boots Or Hearts

I don't feel all that Canadian most of the time, even though I grew up in Toronto, learned in its public schools, studied its literature, slept under its stars each summer and visit my family and friends there as often as possible. Culturally, I feel more Jewish than anything... But as I reflect on The Tragically Hip in the wake of Gord Downie's death today I'm realizing that their music hits me right in my Canadian gut. I feel connected in an inexplicably natural way to that Canadian I-don't-know-what when I hear Wheat Kings, Boots Or Hearts, and Nautical Disaster. When I hear Gord Downie's irreplaceable voice I am happily transported back to my car on a cold late 90's afternoon spent driving in midtown Toronto with whichever radio station on, trying to maintain its Canadian content quota by playing Ahead By A Century for the fifth time that hour. Thank you, Gord for creating something so essential for me and for millions of others.

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