PunBB

Before anyone takes this too seriously, I'm mainly writing this out of boredom (and a bit of ouzo) and know that what I'm about to present is not accurate, but a bit interesting, if you really think about it.

For some reason, when listening to Speed River a couple days ago, I couldn't help but think that, in some ways, there are allusions to a drug relapse - either being tempted or dealing with the effects of one.

* "Give me a dose of the hard stuff" - hard drug?
* "Speed River take me away" - speed being another name for meth
* "You're visually stunning, I'm almost shivering" - dealing with withdrawal symptoms or being faced with temptation
* "This feels like I've been here before" - again perhaps reflecting upon the past abuses
* "If you asked me to, I'd relive it" - same as above
* "Away from this, away from this minute" - temporarilly escaping reality

Again, I was just having a bit of fun with this topic. Please don't judge it too harshly... often incorrect interpretations are more meaningful than the accurate ones.

Hey now, I don't think there's such thing as a wrong interpretation of a Hip song.

And I've always got the drug vibe from this song as well. I know there is such a river in Guelph or something, but Downie is of course the king of double meanings.

I agree that there are certainly enough subtle references to drug use in Speed River that you could make the assumption that the song is about methamphetamine use.

I always thought that the line "Awake enough" was referring to the effects of speed and Gord also uses the word "bomb" which is another slang term for methamphetamine.

Marcus1970 Wrote:I agree that there are certainly enough subtle references to drug use in Speed River that you could make the assumption that the song is about methamphetamine use.

I always thought that the line "Awake enough" was referring to the effects of speed and Gord also uses the word "bomb" which is another slang term for methamphetamine.

Fully agree with you.
It's bomb !!! :lol:

Not that anyone cares, but I crossed the Speed River four times on the weekend, driving from Toronto-to-Guelph-to-Toronto on each of Saturday and Sunday.

ct

Even as a metaphor the speed thing is still troublesome for me but I do think it's a cultural touchstone. For me it seems that love is the real drug. Perhaps the women in the song is the one with issues (drugs/'crazy bitch) and he is sick of her crap.

The Tragically Hip -- Speed River -- Kitchener -- 04/29/09
[youtube]aPGRn4n6EmI[/youtube]

I think it is about drugs, but the actual Speed River too. It is near Guelph University so maybe Gord is talking bout students doing drugs beside the river. Best song off of We Are The Same in my opinion