Meaning of "At The Hundredth Meridian" by The Tragically Hip

"At The Hundredth Meridian" by The Tragically Hip delves into the significance of the hundredth meridian, a longitude line that runs through North America and marks the beginning of the great plains. The song illustrates the immense isolation and desolation that characterizes this region, as the narrator drives down a corduroy road surrounded by shoulder-high weeds and observes a rusting Ferris wheel in the distance. The lyrics convey a sense of loneliness and detachment, as if the vastness of the plains reflects the emptiness and lostness of the narrator's own life.

The song also tackles the idea of generational decline, with the line "A generation so much dumber than it's parents, came crashing through the window." This suggests that the younger generation has not lived up to the expectations or achievements of their parents, perhaps lacking the wisdom and resilience to thrive in the unforgiving plains. This theme resonates with the notion of the plains as a symbol of the harsh realities and challenges of life, where one must be hard and haunted to survive.

The imagery of a raven carrying a muddy old skull along the roadside adds a haunting and macabre element to the song. The wires whistling their approval suggests a desolate soundtrack to the narrator's journey. These elements further emphasize the bleakness and melancholy of the hundredth meridian.

The latter part of the song switches gears as the narrator reflects on their memories of Buffalo and Hengelo. The abrupt change in tone signals a shift towards a more introspective and nostalgic perspective. The lyrics highlight the significance of personal experiences and memories in shaping one's identity and understanding of the world. The narrator expresses a desire to be remembered in a specific way after their death, suggesting a fear of being forgotten or underestimated.

Ultimately, "At the Hundredth Meridian" explores the dichotomy between the vastness and simplicity of the great plains and the complications and limitations of modern life. The song captures a sense of restlessness, discontent, and longing for a deeper connection with nature and one's own roots.