It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken' (Live From The 2021 Juno Awards)

[@tjgriffin]

The question foremost in my mind when I hear or watch a great song being performed: how/why did they decide to do THAT right THERE at that moment? With The Hip, I ask that orders of magnitude more than any other band. They were and remain absolute genius. This performance is 100% Hip by that standard. Gord is smiling from above.

[@chriswalsh829]

If this doesn’t take your breath away

[@Philweeks]

I absolutely love her voice and her passion for this beautiful song. I'd love to hear Leslie sing more songs with the Tragically Hip!

[@Philweeks]

I never imagined this song could be sung as beautifully as Gord Downie however she brings tears to my eyes with her incredible voice and Gordie is looking down proudly somewhere. RIP.

[@waltblack934]

I think that a real miracle has happened.

[@misterbrad100]

Cry my eyes out every damned time... THANK YOU for presenting this version of such a beautiful moment of art!

[@sandrazed6089]

I love what you wrote, 'a beautiful moment of art!"

[@2damnoldforUtube]

It's one of those magic, fleeting, moments that are the art of music. The magic is that we can replay it again and again.

[@stevestojan]

As someone from the US (Buffalo), if there is a more Canadian line of music ever written than “in the forget yer skates dream,” I’ve never heard it. I like to think its like anyone else around the world having a dream where you show up to school naked, or show up to a test having never studied the material. In Canada, its the nightmare of showing up to the rink without skates; at least I think that’s how it’s supposed to be interpreted. Such a great song, great rendition, and yet another reason to love the Hip. Thank you Canada.

[@africabalderson8636]

You got it absolutely right. As a kid, warming the bench watching your team practice or play, opening the door for your teammates, is the absolute worst. It’s something many of us have either experienced or watched a friend experience. In numerous small ways, Gord summed up what it means to be a Canadian. It’s part of the reason why he and the rest of the Hip are such a treasure.

[@la73sh19]

@@africabalderson8636, he surely did.

[@la73sh19]

I cranked this one out my car windows, in my Detroit suburb, when I heard Gord was gone. It's my favorite Hip song.

[@maluorno]

your contents of your hockey bag is a lesson in responsibility and organization when you're a youngster for sure. For me, i would forget about putting them back in the bag after an outing with friends at the outdoor rink. When it came time for a team practice or game just absent-mindedly grabbing the bag and leaving was an issue.

[@albertdecarie9163]

Yep. Nail on the head @stevestojan. I've experienced the "forget-your-skates-dream" a few times in my younger days... always for the "big game". Wake up in a sweat for sure!

[@Funks29]

God, her voice is amazing on this song.

[@2damnoldforUtube]

And it flies exactly where it should within that excellent performance from the band.

[@neil2945]

I didn't realize my tear ducts needed a proper draining. That was truly beautiful

[@andrewwotherspoon692]

The fact that there was no one there to give them a deafening standing ovation is a bloody crime.

[@aylamave]

Feist is stunning in every way.

[@MrSpankee02]

Tour. The world needs the Hip again.

[@joetoe9207]

The silence at the end brings the tears.

[@TheTerbil]

Fiest and the boys did Gord proud with this one. That was nice

[@adamlytle2615]

I didn't know how much I needed this.

[@prairiestrong1106]

I had shivers, it was so classically done.

[@marcus_starr]

Nice seeing the boys back together

[@ameliaterrell1953]

"Let's go somewhere we're needed; find somewhere to grow." Brought tears to my eyes. ❤🕊

[@waltblack934]

Think I've listened to this 50 times at least. And yes tears still fall

[@wtchone5954]

🤓 I'm with ya kid😎 🙏

[@nadionmediagroup]

That’s where she “found” the song. She is tentative at the start (as I would be. It’s Gord’s voice we know). Once she found here harmony space with PL - that’s when it stopped being a hip cover. It was its own thing. She’s remarkable.

[@joshuakeegwell2896]

Everybody stand up and be proud. This is our Canadian band. Live, rocking, and as always hip. We miss you Hip. We miss you Gord Cheers

[@ryline666]

The Hip and Rush are pure Candiana for me

[@kylef7616]

Feist is Canadian too . bonus!

[@lorijankowski3117]

There will never be another Gord. He was our Canadian icon and we will always love and miss him.

[@josefk5659]

Neil Young and Leonard Cohen.

[@CRClouse513]

American or Canadian...great rock is great rock!!

[@c8gedavid]

Mark this performance. The only time a legendary band got it right. More than a credit to the guys... they found the person to give proper honour to a legend. Gord still looks after them... They are still the Hip!

[@outerfroggy1]

You can tell the guys are just so happy to be back on stage

[@jackhammer3423]

Hip concerts were some of the best times of my life

[@Moosey11]

Agreed. Gone way too soon.

[@tobiasfrost86]

I've been to only one and you're right

[@andybratt6022]

Same here

[@Philweeks]

ME too. Three great concerts and a lifetime of memories. The World needs more HIP!

[@steelekyle]

If this doesn't bring back calls for more Hip, I don't know what will. You guys knocked it out of the park, and Leslie Feist.. what a jaw dropping rendition of an already incredible song. Kudos to you all for making this work for Canada, for your fans, and perhaps most importantly for each other, and for Gord.

[@waltblack934]

Halaluhla from reverend Mr. Black

[@sherpajones]

I'd love to see more of this with Feist. If they toured Canada and played intimate sets in theatres and concert halls, they would be sold out in days. I would love to just sit there and listen, hear them talk between songs, playing even the most hard rocking songs with grace and splendor. I believe it will happen one day.

[@Sniz420]

Hip hip hip hip hip

[@SurfingTheSoundwaves]

I had complete faith that Leslie would kick butt, and she did not dissappoint in the least. Excellent!

[@MrRoundthetwist]

I didn’t know what to think about this .. and she kicked my ass hard thank you Leslie ♥️

[@codydavidyates72]

Faith in Feist.. my new favorite recording

[@davidadams2395]

If anyone could have done it justice, it would be Feist.

[@robm9999]

She was amazing. Just so emotional and moving! Can’t stop watching this over and over. Absolutely beautiful. Can’t imagine what the boys were feeling at the time. Thank you!

[@wtchone5954]

She's Amazing 🤓😎

[@waltblack934]

Dang it I just listened at this song over and over for about 3 hours. Thanks for that

[@DylTyrril]

What a truly heartfelt and poignant performance. Leslie, with her unmistakable energy and presence surely must have been channeling Gord's spirit here. This really warms the heart seeing The Hip and Feist united for such a loving tribute.

[@Z13Z13Z]

While I cry watchng this, Gord is also smiling with me as well. This was an incredible decision by the band - nobody else could have given this beauty and soul to this masterpiece and how it was played - this is perfection - if there ever was.

[@rostamr4096]

I find myself keep coming back to this clip..she did a great job...

[@joshwhitney7463]

That smile on Bakers face . Priceless . To feel that feeling all over again must be incredible for these guys . Gord is there feeling it as well . Gordie Forever .

[@Schweini_1983]

Love this version so much. Pulls at the heart strings. RIP Gord

[@mrmisfit635]

The band sounds inspired from above, you can almost hear Gord on backing vocals. I love that moment at 1:06 where Feist sings "let's get friendship right" and Bob looks over...

[@smittyhockeyvids]

This performance was transforming. Feist had Gords spirit during this song. So great to see the Hip performing again. Will play this over and over again.

[@toddn2520]

You know when Rob Baker peaks over with a grin to kick it off it was going to be something magical

[@tesla36917]

It's 3am and I can't stop listening....I've lost count since seeing this beauty on Sunday. My heart is bursting.

[@katherinehunter9526]

Wasn't sure if I could listen to anyone ever sing Gords lyrics, but this was special. Still made me cry. But Leslie you did a good job. So nice to see you guy's playing together again, very moving night. Congratulations on your Award. Thanks for doing this. May Gord be writing and rocking in Peace and Love Forever. ✌❤🇨🇦🎶👑🥳🙏

[@chrisriederer2599]

Felt like Gord was present

[@MrPinkfloydian]

Me too 😢 What a beauty of a song! It seems this Gord guy was really something Great. Only other Greatness could sing this.

[@themojoman5683]

Leslie did a great job! Good to see the guys together playing again.

[@katherinehunter9526]

@@themojoman5683 It was really good to see them playing again and Leslie was really sensitive and wonderful. Still made me cry like a child tho. Hopefully they will start playing together with Leslie, I think it would be really good for the boy's to get playing again. Sitting around can be good for awhile but can also be damaging too. ✌❤🇨🇦🎶🙏

[@mikelee7208]

Yep ,me too

[@xenoglossy]

I listen, I love, I cry.

[@gordboyko769]

This really needs to happen again . Obviously there is no hip without Gord ... but these 4 guys need to keep playing together . Even if it’s just a handful of shows per year . They can’t just stop . So good to hear them again. .. and Leslie Feist fits in really well . More please !

[@johnborthiry3029]

I do miss Gord so much. Feist really did this song so well.

[@kvnoclass]

No other way to describe it - That was perfect.

[@thechief00]

there is a gord shaped hole in this band, but this is a phenomenal performance of a greatly underrated song, and holy shit i have to think the man himself is smiling at the great tear that the band is on right now. RIP gord and fuck yeah hip forever and always

[@Bryan-dn1nx]

I have watched this a dozen times , each time giving me goosebumps , A truly beautiful version

[@Xean45]

I pressed play, minimized the window, heard a girl's voice. Eff, a cover. Opened it back up, checked the date and who was singing. Couldn't close it. Then the tears came. So good. Thank you

[@sparra3819]

Feist handled it and the guys were feeling it! tears..... wow.....

[@laurafedora5385]

This was so emotional, and I’m glad you had Feist singing lead vocals. Partly because by using a female singer that it’s not feeling like you’re trying to replace Gord’s voice, but also that she so perfectly paid tribute to Gord with a beautiful rendition of a beautiful song. She has such a gorgeous and haunting voice. Perfection. Thank you, this was what we have all been missing for the last few years since we lost Gord. ♥️🇨🇦

[@sarptak]

I can't imagine the courage this must have taken. It's heartbreaking and inspiring.

[@oldmanpbotty3141]

When a tear starts streaming from one eye and you didn't even feel it happening....

[@aaronchad4177]

Absolutely mesmerizing, you cannot pair a better Canadian group. Feist and Hip, the band, the feeling, the energy, the legacy. How fortunate are we to celebrate an icon. GD we miss you, but we reconcile and learn to move forward, as you have taught us. ❤️

[@donhopper9946]

They know which way to go, carry on and perform, Gord would want that for themselves. Beautiful Performance ❤ Performance ❤❤

[@CliveGulch]

Missed this in 2021, but after seeing a clip in the new documentary I had to see the full version. Few months after this was filmed Massey Hall reopened, even more majestic than before. In the years since, I have seen Feist and others deliver amazing shows there. Now thinking a lot about how institutions provide a home and continuity for the culture that sustains us.

[@markdarling6800]

Gord's looking down and smiling.

[@seamusliamagnew]

Exactly what I was going to write.

[@yako0000]

awww

[@chadlatham3819]

Damn right he is 😇

[@robberlingieri]

You mean he’s looking downie 😉

[@jenamirgholi6004]

Did Gord have kids? I want to know why there are way too many boneheads as opposed to really good quality people?.

[@TheHappyCanadian]

I've been watching this video everyday & it still gives me goosebumps. Leslie did an amazing job with the vocals & the guys were amazing as always. Sure hope Gord was smiling up above.

[@tobiasfrost86]

Oh he is

[@jeffgamble8957]

Music is healing. As a musician music is joy, and connection, a release of pain, a renewal of life, a stitch to heal a damaged soul. Music is memories, and moments, people and places,family and friends. Music can lift you up, push you forward, bring you back again. Music is healing. I hope this performance was healing for The Tragically Hip cause it sure sounded magical. I hope they go on playing together. If not for an audience then just for themselves.

[@citizenprotection]

Nicely said

[@rogersommers1129]

Eloquent, earnest, authentic and unequivocally expressed from a platform of personal experience within all dimensions referenced. Beautifully said.

[@lorrithescorpio4256]

The Hip an Gord in everyones hearts for the love of music an it touches the soul truly beautiful..❤

[@tobiasfrost86]

All I can say is Gord is proud of you guys

[@DrRussPhd]

It's about the music. Well done.

[@andrewk7764]

It took courage for all the members of the band to play live without Gord for the first time ever. Their good friend and leader was no longer there physically but in spirit to support them and help them play and sing with Feist. We are so lucky to have had a band like the Tragically Hip

[@deanrobert9953]

I enjoyed this when originally aired (Junos 2021), but now after watching the complete No Dress Rehearsal documentary and rewatching Long Time Running... the performance bores deep into my soul. A difficult situation and request turned into an opportunity and carried out with love and care. Really beautiful.

[@hellslayer]

Not regretting the fact that is the first rendition of the song I'm listening to

[@NoleMatch]

Man, The Tragically Hip have always, and will always, have chops. The band may not go on without Gord, but god damn what a run.

[@gordboyko769]

Awesome !! Looks like Paul brought out his old black telecaster that he can be seen playing back in the day at the misty moon in 1990 with a smoke hanging out his mouth 🤟 cool to bring out the old axe for one last show .

[@Creaulx]

Looks like a Deluxe '72 Tele with humbuckers. Beautiful guitar - and so damn much history if it really was the same one from the Misty Moon!

[@j_freed]

@@Creaulx telecasters don’t really wear out… they are pretty indestructible.

[@burfollydurmak4826]

@@j_freed your right, i have a 72 usa stratocaster and it's like a fine wine, it gets better with age.

[@Creaulx]

I bought this guitar today because of this video. Best $1900 I've ever spent.

[@Outta-hz1ej]

@@j_freed When the bombs finally hit, all that will be left are Telecasters and cockroaches.

[@kristi1673]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sianspherica]

I'd low key love to see an entire show of Feist singing Hip songs.

[@TheJoeyj300]

I would pay good money to see tragically hip come back with Ms Fiest singing

[@rostamr4096]

Not a bad idea...I like it...She is very good..

[@kristahannah]

Put this on all streaming platforms ❤️

[@fraubeatrix1388]

Rewatching this and I'm already crying from the intro.

[@davearsenault6579]

Broke my heart again. Leslie Gord is smiling down on you and your grace too.

[@Jeedehem]

And those who get it get it, too.

[@colins7771]

Excellent thanks guys, GD would’ve loved this for sure.

[@jeffgendron1959]

The Tragically Hip will be forever one of the very best of all time. Gord would be proud of this performance.

[@christix1491]

When I heard about this performance, I wasn’t too sure how I felt about it. I’m not familiar with Feist, but I’m blown away at the job that she did. This was a fantastic performance and brought tears to my eyes. Well done!

[@hoover728]

Check out her albums, and also performances with Broken Social Scene. I’ve seen her live about 5 times going back 20 years, she’s an incredible vocalist.

[@waltblack934]

Absolutely

[@darrylpotter8255]

Gord loved Fiest... this is done so well with so much love and reverence. Cheers to Gord the hip and fiest! Much love

[@michael-m]

Its great to see the guys.

[@pinks35]

I wept the first time I watched it, and every time thereafter. I miss Gord, I miss them all. 😢

[@av4949]

Wow! feist and the hip what an amazing job. Gord is smiling. I know it's a lot to ask but can you please play a few more? Just asking for a country that needs it.

[@tracevicente]

Beautiful and emotional. Just came back again. Thank you all.

[@ZAKtalksTECH]

Beautiful. Gord is smiling.

[@Jeffy-e4]

Absolutely nailed it..You can see in the guys faces it was tough to play again without Gord - right at the start Johnny looks like he really feels is, as does Rob but you can see the warmth and feeling that came flooding through as soon as Feist starts singing. Gord is irreplaceable and if the Hip were to play in public again it was right that it was with someone not trying to be Gord or not trying to be him either...Loved it!

[@CoreyS77]

and It was a charity show that had brought the guys in AIC back together that made them realize how much they enjoyed and loved playing again as a band. Thats how we got Black Gives Way to Blue. As not only a way to heal but to pay tribute to Layne. Jerry himself said "Cantrell stated, "We want to celebrate what we did and the memory of our friend. We have played with some [singers] who can actually bring it and add their own thing to it without being a Layne clone. We're not interested in stepping on [Staley's] rich legacy. It's a tough thing to go through. Do you take the Led Zeppelin approach and never play again, because the guy was that important? That's the approach we've taken for a lot of years. Or, do you give it a shot, try something? We're willing to take a chance on it. It's completely a reunion because the three of us who're left are back together. But it's not about separating and forgetting - it's about remembering and moving on.

[@alpastor666]

lol shut up dude

[@alpastor666]

@@CoreyS77 why do you people need to exist lol

[@ltothejtothep1983]

This always brought me to tears 😢

[@mattmacneil3424]

her beautiful voice is so perfect for this tune

[@Funks29]

I wish this was on Spotify.

[@mofishin2648]

Always thought it would be blasphemy to see another singer in Gords place but this was excellent and beautifully done.

[@HamburgRailfan]

Thank you, Feist for an amazing tribute to Gord and thank you to the Hip giving your fans what we needed. So beautiful.

[@ryandonnelly4915]

Can't imagine how hard that was for all of you. Great job. Thanks a lot for letting us be part of it.

[@jayrecks]

Thank you Feist. You did us all proud.

[@dmc5216]

Tear jerker for sure...

[@tesla36917]

August 31, 2024, still beautiful as seeing on the Junos, love love love💜

[@dodaexploda]

Coming back a year later to ask nicely. More please!

[@ShaneKelly]

Very Well done - classic Hip - Gord is smiling and happy. But there's so much work to be done.

[@kristenelizabethdraws]

The Truth.

[@laurafedora5385]

♥️

[@paulagwhyte1720]

Gord's gone and this is no good. It's not the Hip at all. It's not their style. No way. I know we're all supposed to agree, but I don't.

[@thequietwoods]

That was beautiful. Perfect song choice. Thank you.

[@bobbyhulll8737]

This song gets to me every time and I don’t even know why

[@Onyahsa]

Let's go where we are needed.

[@FrequentlyFried]

Feist does as good as anyone could but doesn’t hurt any less when a piece is obviously missing. It will never not hurt. Gord is in my blood forever.

[@bradnowall300]

The hip can do what Waters did with live in berlin... do a show with different singers... how amazing, this is amazing

[@markgnorthcott]

I like how the band said no until it was thrown out there that Feist would be a potential singer for the song. They knew that only a poet singer like her could do any kind of justice to the song. She nailed it as they knew she would. Perfect song for the occasion, for the time, and for the respects paid. I'm glad it wasn't chosen to have a more commonly heard song be the choice, but one of the more "background singles" as it doesn't take anything away from Gord.

[@notaperson1419]

So true - made me think of how Gord sometimes used to introduce this song saying "it's a good life if you don't weaken, and a good life if you do".

[@markgnorthcott]

@@notaperson1419 only today have I found out he took the name of the song from a Canadian made comic book generally based on life in strathroy ontario

[@lauram3337]

That was one of the best musical performances I’ve ever seen. EVER. I’m crying. Brought back so many memories of growing up in Montreal, driving around with my dad, The Hip on radio, always. This was so beautiful, Feist was her perfect self while completely channeling Gord without trying. Good Lord 🙏🏻

[@calixa]

As someone who has seen the Hip 26 times, this being one of my fav songs of theirs, and hold Gord near and dear to my heart, I wasn't ready to watch this at first. Here I am almost a month later, decided to give it a go. And it was a really good job. Nobody can touch what Gord did to this song live, especially in the second verse, with the added emphasis and the delayed vocals on the last chorus. Great job though, she has an incredible voice. I miss Gord and the Hip every single day.

[@stevenmarsh4051]

That smile from Rob at the start gets me every time. You can see the joy all the way through but that smile just sets the emotional tone of this amazing performance.

[@edsegura6399]

Canadiana at its finest….pure magic

[@pauljstod8804]

Love The Tragically Hip. Greatest band I’ve ever known

[@peermusic]

INCREDIBLE performance!

[@jeremyneal3749]

im literally tearing up watching this, what an amazing song and performance. RIP Gord.

[@MathieuLLF]

Feist always performs perfectly and she definitely didn't disappoint!

[@Miniinish]

Just wow