Scared
The Tragically Hip · Yer Favourites/Hipeponymous [2005]
if you want me to
I'm not prepared, but if I have to
He said, I can make you scared,
it's kinda what I do
If you're prepared,
here's what I propose to do
You're in Russia
and more than a million works of art
are whisked out to the woods
So when the Nazis
find the whole place dark
They'd think god's
left the museum for good
I make you scared, if that's what I do
If you're prepared, if I have to
If I make you scared and you pay me to
If that's the deal
now here's what I can do for you
Now there's a focus group
that can prove
this is all nothing
but cold calculation
Tests have shown
that suspicious or hostile
Their lives need not be shortened
truth be told
they can live a long, long while
Tickled to death by their importance
If you make me scared,
if that's what you do
If I'm unclear can I get out of this thing
with me and you
If you feel scared, a bit confused,
I gotta say
this sounds a little beyond
anything I'm used to
Now there's a precious few
that can prove that at the root
This is all nothing but a cold calculation
Clearly entranced,
you're leaning back now
Defanged destroyer limps into the bay
Down at the beach
it's attracting quite a crowd
As kids wade through blood
out to it to play
OK you made me scared,
you did what you set out to do
I'm not prepared, really had me
going there for a minute or two
He said, you made me scared too,
I wasn't sure I was getting through
I gotta go, it's been a pleasure
doing business with you.
Scared - The Tragically Hip
The Tragically Hip's "Scared" stands as a quintessential example of the band's signature blend of melodic pop-rock and introspective lyricism. Recorded for the 2005 compilation album Yer Favourites/Hipeponymous, the track captures the group's ability to weave personal vulnerability with anthemic energy. Frontman Neil Young's distinctive vocal delivery anchors the song, delivering a narrative of anxiety and self-doubt that resonates deeply with the band's long-standing exploration of the human condition. The composition features the band's characteristic interplay between acoustic guitar and driving rhythms, creating a dynamic soundscape that bridges their early indie roots with their later mainstream success. As a staple of their discography, "Scared" exemplifies how The Tragically Hip transformed Canadian folk-rock into a global phenomenon, offering a universal soundtrack for moments of fear and reflection.

