The meaning of At The Hundredth Meridian by The Tragically Hip

The Tragically Hip's song "At The Hundredth Meridian" is a poignant and introspective track that explores themes of identity, longing, and the search for meaning. Written by lead vocalist Gordon Downie, the song tells the story of a protagonist who finds himself at a crossroads, struggling to make sense of his place in the world.

The lyrics are rich with imagery, evoking a sense of vastness and emptiness as the narrator stands at the hundredth meridian, the line that divides the United States from Canada. The song's opening lines, "I was standing at the hundredth meridian / Where the desert meets the sky," set the tone for a journey of self-discovery, as the protagonist grapples with the notion of his own identity.

Throughout the song, Downie's poetic lyrics paint vivid pictures of landscapes and people, weaving together tales of love, loss, and redemption. The chorus, "I am standing at the hundredth meridian / Where the desert meets the sky," becomes a refrain, underscoring the protagonist's sense of disconnection and his longing to find his way.

The song's title, "At The Hundredth Meridian," serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's existential crisis. Just as the meridian marks the boundary between two nations, so too does the narrator find himself at a threshold, torn between the comfort of familiarity and the uncertainty of the unknown.

Ultimately, "At The Hundredth Meridian" is a powerful exploration of the human condition, a search for meaning in a world that often seems vast and overwhelming. As Downie's distinctive voice navigates the song's intricate guitar work and soaring harmonies, listeners are left with a haunting sense of longing, and a deep connection to the protagonist's journey of self-discovery.