Tragically Hip: Nautical Disaster Lyrics Print (12.5" x 12.5")

This 'Nautical Disaster' art print offers Tragically Hip fans a visual interpretation of a classic from their 1994 Day for Night album, recently voted to CBC Radio's top 10 list of fan-favourite Hip songs. There is no absolute consensus on the meaning behind the lyrics but in a Can-Rock interview, Gord Downie said the song was inspired by the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck on May 27, 1941, at 10:39 AM in the frigid waters off France— a wreck that claimed over 2000 lives.

The artist was inspired to make this print because Disaster is among his favourite Hip tunes as well. The design evolved from hours of listening to the lyrics and the mental images they drew in his mind. An antique nautical chart in the background overlaid on a vintage, period 1940s alarm clock sets up the story. An image of the Bismarck incorporated into the face of the clock connects the 'disaster' theme to the 'dream' concept woven through Downie's lyrics. Using an alarm invokes the concept of him waking from his dream. The hands of the clock are set to 10:39, and subtle details such as the latitude and longitude coordinates of the ship's resting place and S.O.S. Morse Code are added to the story. The clock face features the artists favourite passage from the song's lyrics.

This art print makes a great addition to any Tragically Hip fan's collection or any art lover that appreciates musically-inspired artwork for their home decor.

Print size is 12.5" x 12.5" (31.75 x 31.75 cm).

Made by Manmade Art in Ottawa, Ontario.

Framed version comes in a handmade black wooden frame from Quebec (pictured here). To get it framed - add the 12.5" x 12.5" size frame from the handmade frame collection by Le Cadre Urbain to your cart and we'll frame it for you!