The Cn Tower Belongs To The Dead

Owen Pallett's "The CN Tower Belongs To The Dead" is a haunting exploration of memory, legacy, and the passage of time. The song opens with a vivid image of the dead finding their way along a country road, suggesting a journey from life to death, and perhaps a return to the earth. This imagery evokes a sense of inevitability and acceptance of mortality, as the dead are led from their homes to the ground, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and death.

The CN Tower, a prominent symbol of Toronto, is metaphorically described as being built upon the bones of the dead, suggesting that modern achievements and structures are rooted in the past and the lives that came before. This metaphor extends to the idea that the tower, a symbol of progress and modernity, is also a monument to those who have passed, serving as a home for the dead. The mention of decorating the base with graves and everyday items like cabbages and ginger root adds a personal and intimate touch, blending the mundane with the sacred.

The song also touches on themes of unspoken words and missed opportunities, as the narrator reflects on a life that "had a good run anyway." This line conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance, acknowledging the things left unsaid and the experiences left unfulfilled. The final lines, with the radio buzz and the view from the top of the tower, suggest a connection between the living and the dead, as if the past is always within sight and hearing, influencing the present. Pallett's use of evocative imagery and metaphor invites listeners to reflect on their own legacies and the ways in which the past shapes the present.