| Subject: just a story behind hip song |
Author:
Buffy
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Date Posted: 20:57:17 06/26/04 Sat
In reply to:
Buffy
's message, "Lyrics to song" on 10:49:22 06/20/04 Sun
Tragically Hip dedicate song to Dan Snyder
By Richard Vivian
OBSERVER STAFF
Canadian musical legends The Tragically Hip are on regular rotation in the Snyder family stereo, but their new album comes with a particularly strong meaning. In the liner notes of the album – set for release this Tuesday – the band dedicates the first track to the late Dan Snyder.
“I was just overwhelmed that someone would do something like that. All of us were just totally surprised,” LuAnn Snyder, Dan’s mother, told the Observer. “All three of the kids have always had their CDs. I know how much it would have meant to Dan.”
The band contacted the Snyders several months ago “out of the blue,” after penning the song “Heaven Is A Better Place Today.” It was then that they asked the family’s permission to include the track on their new album In Between Evolution.
“They said they were very touched by Dan and his story. They followed the news very closely, they said,” explained Snyder, who noted she hasn’t personally spoken with the band, though they’ve been in contact with the family several times.
An advanced copy of the album was delivered to the Snyders this week. As with most Tragically Hip songs, the lyrical content is metaphorical and doesn’t directly mention Dan or hockey.
Members of the band couldn’t be reached for comment because of their current promotional tour.
“It says it’s for Dan Snyder, it doesn’t say it’s about Dan Snyder,” Snyder commented.
“The words are very abstract. They’re not about Dan. I’ve read it several times and it’s very metaphorical. I take it as how [the band] felt about Dan and Dany (Heatley) at the time of the accident.”
Dan Snyder died last October of complications from injuries he suffered in a car accident. He had just signed a contract to play with the National Hockey League’s Atlanta Thrashers.
Teammate Dany Heatley was behind the wheel at the time of the collision. He has since recovered from his injuries.
“The whole idea of it is pretty amazing, that they would write a song for him. We were all just kind of shocked when we heard [the news],” said Jeff Snyder, Dan’s uncle, who had read the lyrics but hadn’t heard the song when he spoke with the Observer. “Trying to figure out what they were trying to say, I had to read it through a few times, but I think it sounds like it’s going to be a good song.”
At the request of the band, the family kept news of the dedication under their hats until now.
“He said he’s private about his songs and the reasons he writes things,” LuAnn Snyder suggested, referring to lead singer and songwriter Gord Downie.
The band also wanted to do something more in memory of Dan Snyder and, after learning of the July 13 Dan Snyder Memorial Golf Tournament, offered to raffle off a chance play with two band members. The raffle will take place July 10, during a fundraising concert at Lion’s Hall (formerly Carriage Hall) in Elmira.
The concert will also feature the music of Funky Rudy, with frontman Jake Snyder, Dan’s brother. Tragically Hip songs frequently find themselves on the band’s set list.
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