He was born in Ontario, Canada, near Huntsville in the Muskoka region, north of Toronto. To pursue his musical career, he later moved to Toronto.
His first album, 1999's "For Him and the Girls" earned him comparisons to the likes of Tom Waits, Rheostatics and Harry Nilsson.
"(Last Night We Were) The Delicious Wolves", released in 2001, became Workman's breakthrough record both in Canada and Europe, spawning the hit singles "Striptease" and "Jealous of Your Cigarette".
Workman has also produced records for a number of other artists, including Serena Ryder, John Southworth, Tegan and Sara, Sarah Slean, The Cash Brothers, and Great Big Sea.
For photographs and additional information see Hawksley's official website, www.HawksleyWorkman.com.
HEY HEY HEY
Hawksley Workman Lyrics
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Come in and get warm
Hey hey hey, my little beauties
Forever is the storm
You are what God made you
Everyone can see
You don't have to change for no-one
Hey hey hey, my little beauties
There's tragedy enough
Hey hey hey, my little beauties
It's no reason to get tough
Everyone keeps falling
In and out of love
You're tired from all your wandering
You'd like to give it up
Oh, yes I know, yes I know
You hardly think of all these things at all
Yes I know, yes I know
You're just as simple, as simple as you seem
Hey hey hey, my little beauties
You're never where you were
Life is ugly, sad and dirty
And this cat sailed for shore
The one certainty of living
Is that you're gonna die
So why not stand in awe of it
Instead of asking why?
Hey hey hey, my little beauties
You lovers and you fools
Don't get trapped in hopeless cages
'cause hopeless isn't true
The song "Hey Hey Hey" by Hawksley Workman is a heartfelt ode to self-acceptance and perseverance through the stormy parts of life. The repeated refrain of "hey hey hey, my little beauties" serves as both a comforting greeting and a reminder that even in the midst of struggle, one can find beauty and strength in themselves.
The first verse acknowledges the harsh realities of life, as Workman invites his listeners to come in and get warm, seeking refuge from the unpredictable storm that is forever raging. But he also reminds them that they are unique and special, created by God in their own image, and that they don't need to change for anyone.
The second verse delves deeper into the struggles of love and wandering, acknowledging the weariness that can come from searching for purpose and connection. But Workman also urges his audience to embrace the uncertainties of life, standing in awe of the one certainty that we will all eventually die. “Hey Hey Hey” encourages its listeners to keep pushing forward, not getting trapped in hopeless cages, because hopeless isn't true.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey hey hey, my little beauties
Addressing the listeners and calling them his little beauties
Come in and get warm
Inviting the listeners to come in and get comfortable
Forever is the storm
Life can be stormy and unpredictable
You are what God made you
Encouraging listeners to be themselves and not change for anyone
Everyone can see
Others can see your true nature and you don't need to pretend to be someone else
You don't have to change for no-one
Reiterating the importance of being true to oneself
Especially not me
Emphasizing that the singer does not want the listeners to change for him
There's tragedy enough
Life can be tragic and difficult
It's no reason to get tough
Encouraging listeners to remain kind and compassionate despite life's challenges
Everyone keeps falling
Acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes and goes through tough times
In and out of love
Love can also be difficult and unpredictable
You're tired from all your wandering
Acknowledging that life can be tiring and exhausting
You'd like to give it up
Sometimes we feel like giving up when life is difficult
Oh, yes I know, yes I know
Expressing understanding and empathy for the struggles the listeners may be going through
You hardly think of all these things at all
Noting that listeners may not always consider the deeper meanings and struggles in life
You're just as simple, as simple as you seem
Reiterating that the listeners are simply who they are without any need to complicate things
You're never where you were
Life is constantly changing and we are never in the same place for long
Life is ugly, sad and dirty
Acknowledging that life can be difficult and unpleasant
And this cat sailed for shore
Perhaps a reference to a specific experience or moment in the singer's life
The one certainty of living
Acknowledging that everyone will eventually die
Is that you're gonna die
Highlighting the inevitability of death
So why not stand in awe of it
Encouraging listeners to embrace the mystery and wonder of life and death
Instead of asking why?
Reflecting on the meaning of life and death rather than simply questioning it
You lovers and you fools
Addressing a specific group of listeners, perhaps those who have experienced love and heartbreak
Don't get trapped in hopeless cages
Encouraging listeners not to feel trapped or stuck in difficult situations
'cause hopeless isn't true
Reiterating that there is always hope, even in difficult times
Contributed by Ethan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.