The Essential 10: Ranking The Tragically Hip's Defining Anthems

Thursday, 25 September 2025 20:57

A definitive journey through the songs that defined a country, and captured the soul of the Canadian landscape

Ranking the Tragically Hip's songs is a difficult task—every fan has their own personal list, and the band's catalog is filled with deep cuts and live gems that are just as powerful as their biggest hits. But some songs have a way of defining an era, capturing a national mood, or showcasing the poetic brilliance of Gord Downie. This list attempts to capture the best of the best, from the raw energy of their early days to the more reflective ballads that became anthems for a generation.

1. "Ahead by a Century"

This song from the album Trouble at the Henhouse is arguably the Hip’s most iconic. Its gentle acoustic melody and introspective lyrics about the passage of time and the wisdom that comes with it have resonated with millions. It’s a song that feels both deeply personal and universally true, a reflection on a life lived, and a hopeful look at what’s to come. It was the last song the band performed at their final concert, a moment of profound significance that forever cemented its legacy as their definitive masterpiece.

2. "Grace, Too"

A fan favourite and a live show staple, "Grace, Too" is an emotional and raw track from the album Day for Night. It’s a song that builds with a palpable tension, driven by its dark, moody instrumentation and Gord Downie's powerful, almost theatrical, vocal performance. The lyrics are cryptic and poetic, painting a vivid picture of a relationship on the edge. The song's raw intensity and the band's incredible chemistry on stage made it one of their most powerful and unforgettable performances.

3. "Wheat Kings"

More than just a song, "Wheat Kings" is a poignant piece of Canadian history set to music. The song tells the story of David Milgaard, who was wrongfully convicted and spent 23 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. Downie's lyrics are a gentle, yet heartbreaking, narrative about justice, innocence, and the vast, beautiful, but often unforgiving prairies. The song's simple, acoustic arrangement and the evocative sound of a loon at the beginning make it a deeply moving and truly Canadian ballad.

4. "Bobcaygeon"

This song is a love letter to a small Ontario town and a commentary on the darker side of a city. “Bobcaygeon” from the album Phantom Power is a gentle, sprawling tune that contrasts the peacefulness of cottage country with the social and political tensions of Toronto in the early '90s. The line, "That's where the constellations revealed themselves one star at a time," is one of Downie's most beautiful and memorable pieces of poetry, a simple moment of wonder that provides a powerful sense of comfort.

5. "New Orleans Is Sinking"

One of the band’s earliest and most enduring hits, this song is a pure rock and roll barn-burner. Its bluesy riff and Gord Downie’s explosive vocal delivery made it an instant classic. The song’s true genius, however, lies in its famous live improvisations, where Downie would weave in stories and new lyrics, making each performance a unique and unforgettable event. It's the song that truly showcased the band's raw power and live energy.

6. "Fifty Mission Cap"

This is a prime example of the Hip’s unique ability to merge Canadian history with rock music. The song tells the story of Bill Barilko, a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey player who scored the winning goal for the Stanley Cup in 1951 and then mysteriously disappeared. The track is a perfect blend of a catchy rock tune and a deeply Canadian myth, a testament to the band’s narrative genius and their role as unofficial historians.

7. "Courage (for Hugh MacLennan)"

Inspired by a line from author Hugh MacLennan's novel, this song from Fully Completely is a classic Hip anthem. The song’s driving rhythm and defiant chorus, "Courage, it couldn't have come at a worse time," capture a feeling of struggle and perseverance. It’s a track that feels both personal and cinematic, a grand and powerful statement about finding strength in the face of adversity.

8. "At the Hundredth Meridian"

This track captures the feeling of a cross-country journey and the symbolic division of Eastern and Western Canada. The song's high-energy guitar work and the iconic line, "If I die, I'll die on the 100th meridian," encapsulate the band's connection to the vast Canadian landscape. It’s a perfect road-trip song and a powerful ode to the country they called home.

9. "Little Bones"

From the album Road Apples, this song is a fiery rock track with a relentless pace. Its tight instrumentation and Downie’s frenetic, lyrical delivery showcase the band's ability to create powerful, hard-hitting rock songs. "Little Bones" is an early hit that cemented their reputation as a band that could deliver both complex poetry and raw, unadulterated rock and roll.

10. "Fiddler's Green"

One of the band's most emotionally devastating songs, "Fiddler's Green" is a heartbreaking ballad written by Gord Downie for his nephew, who passed away. The song's stripped-down acoustic arrangement and somber tone make it a poignant tribute to loss and memory. Its raw vulnerability and genuine sorrow have made it a touchstone for fans who have experienced grief, showing the band's ability to convey profound emotion with a simple, quiet power.

Honourable Mentions

11. "Poets"

A groovy and melodic track from the album Music@Work. "Poets" is a song that feels both casual and insightful, with Downie's lyrics examining the nature of creation and storytelling. It has a great, laid-back feel that's perfect for a sunny day.

12. "Locked in the Trunk of a Car"

This song from Fully Completely is a classic rock anthem with a dark, cinematic narrative. The song's driving beat and powerful guitar riff create a sense of urgency, while Downie's frantic vocals tell a mysterious and compelling story. It's a prime example of the band's more adventurous and theatrical side.

13. "Fireworks"

A beautiful, reflective song from Phantom Power, "Fireworks" is a tale about growing up and the passing of time. The lyrics, "I'm a man of many parts, but I'm no genius," and its reference to the Stanley Cup playoffs make it an incredibly relatable and beloved song for many fans.

14. "Blow at High Dough"

This is one of the band's earliest singles, and it's pure, unadulterated rock and roll. The song's raw energy and infectious chorus showcase the band's roots and their knack for writing simple, powerful, and catchy rock songs. It’s a track that still holds up and is a staple of their early work.

15. "Long Time Running"

A powerful and emotional song from their final album, Man Machine Poem. "Long Time Running" is a poignant look back at a life lived and a career well-spent. The lyrics are deeply personal, and the song feels like a goodbye and a thank you to the fans who were with them for the long haul.

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