PunBB

I had an e-mail about the inspiration for "Fire in the Hole," and I could only remember the old newgroup discussions about how the song may have been inspired by the resurgent neo-nazi movement (Which is now thankfully dead) in Southern Ontario in the early 90's, and specifically the CBC documentary "Hearts of Darkness."

Gord's "This is the song I hate, or is it the song a hate" intro seems to hint at the theme, as do the direct "I'd like to let some people know" and "that kid..." lyrics.

I haven't found anything solid to support the idea. Does anybody know of any interviews or comments about where the song came from?

check this out

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it's from the movie matewan directed by john sayles who also wrote the lyrics to the song

i have a bootleg where gord sings a verse from this as an intro to fire in the hole but i don't remember the date off hand.

Jul 1, 1995
High Sierra Music Festival

withnail Wrote:check this out

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it's from the movie matewan directed by john sayles who also wrote the lyrics to the song

i have a bootleg where gord sings a verse from this as an intro to fire in the hole but i don't remember the date off hand.

Very, very cool. I was able to do some more research and create a full entry for the site. Thanks.

Gord also borrowed lines from "Fire In the Hole" during "Fire in the Hole" at the December 3 2000 ACC show if I'm not mistaken. That version is killer and also features a Burning Church intro.

Cheers

Pat

As you know, I'm a big fan of finding references in the song....

You triumphed over will
You had immunity to kill
etc.

Triumph of the Will: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0025913/

With a wonderful ensemble cast consisting of Martin Bormann, Josef Goebbels, Hermann Goring, Rudolf Hess, Heinrich Himmler, and the inimitable Adolf Hitler, Leni Riefenstahl's 1935 classic is the exemplar of propaganda films. Hitler won the Adolf for Best Megalomaniac in a Dictatorial Role for his performance in this film.

Surely GD is familiar with it -- didn't he do a film degree, or am I mistaken?

Leni Riefenstahl herself says, "Gott in Himmel, I was just making a movie. I wasn't a Nazi or anything. I didn't know these people were bad or anything. I just thought they liked parades and speeches and, you know, killing Jews and stuff." And the world said, "Sure, Leni."
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0726166/bio

Leni Riefenstahl herself remains a hero(ine) to the neo Nazi movement. They celebrate her birthday as a significant Nazi figure. (And by the way, Stephen, this movement is very much alive in southern Ont; they just don't make the news anymore.)

This is where I depart from the trivia-buff approach you like so well: the film is "Triumph of the Will," but Downie wrote "you triumphed over will." The sense is obviously different -- it isn't "your will triumphed." What do we make of this?

It seems to be addressed to the Nazis ("you had immunity to kill") and then we get a disturbing note of admiration ("and I love you still.") Does this reflect on fascism's eternal attraction, its appeal to our love of strength and beauty (which Riefenstahl played on so well)?

Quote:I had an e-mail about the inspiration for "Fire in the Hole," and I could only remember the old newgroup discussions about how the song may have been inspired by the resurgent neo-nazi movement (Which is now thankfully dead) in Southern Ontario in the early 90's, and specifically the CBC documentary "Hearts of Darkness.

Cool concept....I guess this would explain Gord saying "Any racists in the crowd tonight?.....Dont say anything. This is not a referandum." in the intro to Fire at the London (i think) show last tour.

could the 'will' be the will of the Jewish people?
the will of the german people?