The Meaning Behind The Song: Big League by Tom Cochrane & Red Rider

Table of Contents Big League?? is a powerful song that tells a heart-wrenching story from the perspective of an anguished hockey parent from an unidentified northern town. Written by Tom Cochrane, this track serves as the opening song for their album Victory Day?? released in 1988.

Table of Contents

The Meaning Behind The Song: Big League by Tom Cochrane & Red Rider

Title

Big League

Artist

Tom Cochrane & Red Rider

Writer/Composer

Tom Cochrane

Album

Victory Day (1988)

Release Date

September 1988

Genre

Rock/Pop

“Big League?? is a powerful song that tells a heart-wrenching story from the perspective of an anguished hockey parent from an unidentified northern town. Written by Tom Cochrane, this track serves as the opening song for their album “Victory Day?? released in 1988.

The inspiration for “Big League?? came from a conversation Cochran had with a custodian before a Red Rider show at a hockey rink. The man asked if Red Rider could play “Boy Inside the Man,?? explaining that it was his son’s favorite song. Curiously, the man used the past tense when referring to his son. As the conversation unfolded, the custodian revealed that his son had recently passed away. This emotional encounter deeply resonated with Cochran, leading him to write “Big League?? as a tribute to the bond between parents and their children, and the dreams they hold for them.

Upon its release, “Big League?? became intertwined with a poignant piece of Canadian hockey folklore. Many hockey fans and players believed the song was inspired by the tragic story of George Pelawa. George was an 18-year-old hockey player who had been drafted into the Calgary Flames, but sadly lost his life in a car accident just two months later in 1986.

As an avid fan of both music and hockey, the lyrics of “Big League?? have always struck a chord with me. The song beautifully captures the aspirations and sacrifices that parents make for their children’s dreams. The opening lines, “When he was a kid, he’d be up at five, Take shots ’til eight and make the thing drive, Out after school and back on ice, That was his life, he was gonna play in the big league,” paint a vivid picture of a young hockey player’s dedication and passion.

The chorus of the song, “My boy’s going to play in the big league, My boy’s going to turn some heads, My boy’s going to play in the big league, My boy’s going to knock ’em dead,” is a proud proclamation of a parent’s belief in their child’s potential. It highlights the anticipation and excitement that parents feel when they see their child’s talent and hard work leading them closer to their dreams.

However, the song takes a heartbreaking turn in the second verse, recounting the tragic accident that cuts short the protagonist’s journey to the big league. The lines, “Out with his girl near Lake McClean, Hit a truck doing seventy in the wrong lane, To the big league,” convey the sudden and unexpected nature of the loss, leaving the listener with a profound sense of grief and loss.

While the song is specifically about a hockey player, its message resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of losing a loved one before they could fulfill their dreams. The lyrics remind us of the fragility of life and the uncertainty that accompanies our ambitions. It serves as a poignant reminder to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones and to never take their dreams and aspirations for granted.

On a personal level, “Big League?? holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, I was a passionate hockey player, and this song perfectly encapsulated the dreams and aspirations I held as a young athlete. I remember listening to this song on repeat, imagining myself stepping onto the ice in a professional arena, the crowd cheering, and the feeling of reaching the big league.

As life went on and my own hockey dreams took a different path, “Big League?? continued to hold significance for me. It became a song that reminded me of the importance of pursuing one’s passions and the significance of the unwavering support of family and loved ones.

“Big League?? not only pays homage to the dreams of a talented young hockey player but also serves as a powerful reminder to cherish the present and celebrate the accomplishments of those we love. The song resonates deeply with audiences, evoking emotions of hope, loss, and the enduring spirit of the human will.

Credits

Written By Tom Cochrane

Release Date September 1988

Tags

Rock/Pop

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