Cordelia
The Tragically Hip · Yer Favourites/Hipeponymous [2005]
Just to see how far down it really is
Robbing a bank, jumping from a train
Old antiques a man alone can entertain
It takes all your power
To prove that you don't care
I'm not Cordelia, I will not be there
Tin can man, dragging from a car
Just to see how alive you really are
Marrying words, falling in your wake
Just to tell what you can't eliminate
Treading the boards, screaming out Macbeth
Just to see how much bad luck you really get
Jump in the ring with your hidden cape
The bull can't decide what it is that he really hate
Angst on the planks, spittin' from a bridge
Just to see how far down it really is
Robbing a bank, jumping from a train
Old antiques a man alone can entertain
Thief lingers on, on his hands and knees
Must be one more thing here, I really need
Die in your dreams, falling on your knife
A thief blinded on the job, has to steal for life
About Cordelia
"Cordelia" by The Tragically Hip stands as a poignant addition to the band's extensive catalogue, reflecting their signature blend of poetic storytelling and melodic rock. Released on the compilation *Yer Favourites/Hipeponymous*, the track exemplifies the group's ability to weave complex narratives into accessible anthems that resonate across generations. The song continues the legacy of the band's mid-to-late period, where they frequently explored themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time with characteristic lyrical depth. As a staple of their recorded output, the recording captures the dynamic interplay between the band's frontman and his collaborators, delivering a sound that remains quintessentially Canadian rock. It serves as a testament to their enduring influence on the genre, offering listeners a glimpse into the emotional landscape of their work without relying on specific chart data or obscure biographical details. The track remains a compelling example of how The Tragically Hip transformed narrative songwriting into a universal language through their distinctive musical arrangement.