Gord Sinclair dives into the writing of 'Membership' alongside Gord Downie...

Around Fully Completely we committed ourselves to writing songs together, in sessions we called “wood shedding”. We would go around in a circle and take turns throwing out ideas, jamming the initial idea and seeing if we could build on it. More often than not an idea would inspire a complimentary idea from someone else. Gord would work lyrics into a melody which would inspire more changes. It was truly collaborative and we wrote a lot of great songs that way. The bass is great in that setting, but it isn’t the easiest writing tool when you’re working alone at home. I did it, but acoustic guitar works much better for me. In the spring of 97 we had convened for a session to get ready for Phantom Power. Gord and I were having coffee on the front porch of the Bathouse one glorious spring morning and I grabbed a guitar to show him the rough arrangement for an idea I had. He responded right away, leafing through his note book to find lyrics that fit. The view from the studio looks out onto Amherst Island. In the spring the volume of water from Lake Ontario being compressed into that narrow straight gives the viewer the sensation of standing beside a rushing river. I know Gord built the song on that foundation; that we are all part of something bigger that carries us along like an unstoppable force. By the time we finished our second cup we had the outline of a song that became Membership. We played it for the guys when they arrived and by the end of the day the song was finished; lyrics, music and arrangement fully realized and a demo recorded. It was like magic. Membership has taken on an even more profound meaning for me now.
– GS

[donnied]

I enjoy these little shorts so much. ❤

[paulagwhyte]

It must have been so wonderful. I know we all loved it!

[EatsLikeADuck]

Now *that's* a beautiful Canadian accent. Love you Gord!

[jasonkh]

One of the best Hip songs, glad to hear him tell us a bit about it

[BeeNee]

Thanks for sharing this, Gord. We love The Hip!

[stephennagy]

One of my favorite songs! Great job Gord!!

[nytrocircus]

Thank you for this Gord! Keep em' coming :)

[pauljstod]

Great song!!! Love the Hip. RiP Gord 😢

[chantal]

Membership is my favourite Hip song, love this! Can't wait to gety copy of the Phantom Power box set.

[stephennagy]

It hurts to think of the Hip in a past tense, love you guys, always will. I personally didn't know any of you, but your music has gotten me through a lot. Gordon's passing was like losing a close relative, as a fan going to a show I truly miss that since the Hip was the only band that if I knew were coming to play I would go. Think about you guys often, always will love the music, God bless

[brandonsummers]

Those days aren’t over yet. That’s just the first book in the series. ❤

[christianhudon]

Membership, ma chanson préférée des Hip❤

[adamlytle]

Just want to point out that Gord is wearing a t-shirt with the Elsinore Beer logo from the Bob & Doug McKenzie movie 'Strange Brew'. Thus making this the most Canadian YouTube short ever.

[TheDefeatest]

Gord, I remember one time in the mid 90's I saw you and a buddy of yours pushing a convertible (I believe) smallish car right down on Stuart street near University. Not sure if it had broke down or run out of gas but we exchanged a hello and a laugh. Cheers bud!

[onelove]

The HIP ...
Whether laying down yourself beside it
Or slipping into its cool and rushing effects
Or drifting on it to where it broadens
Your admiration for, for its more elusive aspects
Being drawn along by it
Carried under, carried away
By its long-term membership

[TheTarotCottage]

On the (secret path) the one the one that nobody knows? ? ?

[Scianta]

:( missing Gord Downey... his passing with the same cancer as Neil Peart was saddening

[oldschooldude]

Amazing guitar work, Gord S!

Little known fact: Gord Downie's lyrics, and the Robby Baker led artwork that the lyrics are superimposed over in the cd booklet, are letting certain people know that they are part of the craft. They are traveling men. They are on the square. This song and Boybcaygeon's lyrics contain slick references to this certain centuries old group. One can only recognize it if they know the words and the symbols.