The band consists of original members Cuddy (guitar/vocals), Keelor (guitar/vocals) and Donovan (bass) plus newer additions Glenn Milchem (drums), and Bob Egan (multi-instrumentalist). Former members include Anderson (drummer), Wiseman (keyboardist), Kim Deschamps (multi-instrumentalist), Mark French (drummer), and Jamie Gray (keyboardist) and Bob Packwood (keyboards).
Blue Rodeo is one of the most successful and well known contemporary Canadian bands, having released 11 studio albums, one live album, a greatest hits collection and a DVD which have sold more than 3 million copies worldwide. In addition, both Cuddy and Keelor have released solo albums. Blue Rodeo members have collaborated extensively with other notable Canadian artists, including Jann Arden, Cowboy Junkies, Burton Cummings, Kathleen Edwards, Great Big Sea, Sarah McLachlan, The Sadies, Ron Sexsmith, Skydiggers, and The Tragically Hip. Blue Rodeo have won many Canadian music awards, including seven Juno Awards (Canada's Grammy) and principal songwriters Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor have been honoured with seven SOCAN awards.
The band released (November 2008) Blue Road a special 20th Anniversary Live 'bootleg' DVD which features an insightful documentary by Chris Mills and an acoustic CD of their 2008 February 29th Toronto Massey Hall concert. The DVD disc features some acoustic covers, including Neil Young's "Are You Ready For The Country", Randy Travis's "Diggin' Up Bones" and Ian & Sylvia Tyson's "Four Strong Winds." In addition, there's a new bonus studio track on the audio CD by Cuddy and Keelor called "Losing You", which is also performed Live on the DVD.
It was formally announced on June 16th, 2009, that Blue Rodeo will be inducted onto Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto in September, 2009.
On November 10th, 2009, Blue Rodeo released its twelfth studio album, The Things We Left Behind, which is a double CD featuring 16 original compositions by Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy. The release was produced by the band with engineering and mixing assistance from Darryl Neudorf (Neko Case, Jim Cuddy, Kevin Kane, Sarah McLachlan, The Sadies), and the first single to crack the airwaves is "Arizona Dust".
It was officially announced on December 12, 2011 that Blue Rodeo will be inducted into The Canadian Music Hall of Fame, with the formal presentation to occur on April 1st, 2012 at the Canadian Juno Awards.
Blue Rodeo released its 13th studio album on October 29th, 2013 entitled In Our Nature.
Canadian Governor General David Johnston announced on Dec. 30, 2013 that Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor will be celebrated as Officers of the Order of Canada, one of the country`s highest honours, in a ceremony to be scheduled later in 2014.
In the Fall of 2014, Blue Rodeo released their first seasonal holiday collection entitled, A Merrie Christmas To You, which is blessed with their favourite Christmas classics. The collection features beautiful songs by The Band, Big Star, Merle Haggard, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, and two moving originals entitled "Glad To Be Alive" and "Home To You This Christmas".
Blue Rodeo released its latest studio album on October 28, 2016 entitled 1000 Arms, which was produced by Tim Vesely and the band. The Warner Music Canada release features eleven new songs penned by Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor, and the first single is entitled "Superstar".
For photo galleries, tour dates and other information on Blue Rodeo you can visit their official website, www.BlueRodeo.com.
The Big Push
Blue Rodeo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell me every secret you've been told
Cause everybody knows they're dangerous
Hey let me try that wonder stuff
The stuff that lets you look at them and nod
Smile and say thank god it wasn't us
When it all goes to pieces
Once you've had your fun
We'll still be sitting here
Waiting 'til the big push comes
Now the moment we've been waiting for
The moment that you'll finally realise
Your promises are lies
They turn to dust
Time time changes everything
Can turn you from a hero to a dog
Living in a fog like the rest of us
When it all goes to pieces
And it won't be long
Once you've had your fun
We'll all just sit around
Wait until the big push comes
Write write me a pretty poem
Make believe that paradise is here
Future's coming clear
Sun through the clouds
And when it all goes to pieces
And it won't be long
Once you've had your fun
We'll still be sitting here
Waiting 'til the big push comes
And when it all goes to pieces
And it won't be long
Once you've had your fun
We'll all just sit around
And wait until the big push comes
The lyrics to Blue Rodeo's song The Big Push can be interpreted in a variety of ways, but the overarching message seems to be about disillusionment and disappointment with promises and the human condition. The first verse is a plea for honesty and transparency, asking someone to reveal all their secrets and motivations. The second verse speaks to the transitory nature of fame and hero worship, warning that time can turn anyone into a "dog" living in a "fog."
The central metaphor of the song is "the big push," which seems to refer to some kind of reckoning or event that will reveal the truth and bring about change. The chorus repeats the phrase "when it all goes to pieces," suggesting that things are fragile and can fall apart at any moment. Despite the uncertainty and waiting, there is a sense of resignation and acceptance, acknowledging that everyone will eventually have to face the consequences of their actions.
Overall, The Big Push is a melancholy yet compelling track that highlights Blue Rodeo's skillful songwriting and emotional depth.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell tell me the reasons why
Please explain to me the motives behind your actions
Tell me every secret you've been told
Be completely honest and open with me, share any confidential information you have received
Cause everybody knows they're dangerous
There is a common understanding that secrets and hidden motives can often lead to harm or negative consequences
Hey let me try that wonder stuff
Allow me to experience the same thing you have, which has caused you to be content with the situation
The stuff that lets you look at them and nod
The substance that allows you to be accepting of the situation or people involved
Smile and say thank god it wasn't us
React in a positive and relieved way, acknowledging that the situation did not affect you personally
When it all goes to pieces
Referring to when everything falls apart and becomes chaotic
And it won't be long
Implying that this inevitable event is approaching quickly
Once you've had your fun
After you have indulged in your own desires and activities
We'll still be sitting here
The artist and others who did not participate will remain in their current situation
Waiting 'til the big push comes
Waiting for a significant change or event to occur, most likely negative in nature
Now the moment we've been waiting for
Finally, the anticipated moment has arrived
The moment that you'll finally realise
The point in time when you will come to the realization of the situation
Your promises are lies
The commitments made were not genuine or unlikely to be kept
They turn to dust
The promises have disintegrated or failed to materialize
Time time changes everything
Over the course of time, things inevitably transform
Can turn you from a hero to a dog
The passage of time can drastically change one’s status or reputation
Living in a fog like the rest of us
Existing in a state of confusion or uncertainty, along with the majority of people
Write write me a pretty poem
Create for me a beautiful piece of literature, with an emphasis on style rather than substance
Make believe that paradise is here
Suspend reality and imagine that you are currently in utopia
Future's coming clear
The upcoming events or outcomes are becoming more apparent
Sun through the clouds
A positive and hopeful outlook amidst a difficult or uncertain situation
And when it all goes to pieces
Reiterating the idea of when everything falls apart
And we won't be long
Again implying that the impending event is approaching soon
Once you've had your fun
After you've enjoyed yourself
We'll still be sitting here
The singer and others who did not participate will remain where they are
Waiting 'til the big push comes
Still anticipating the significant event that will bring about change
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GREG KEELOR, JIM CUDDY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind