I find most people either love or hate Raine Maida, the lead singer of Our Lady Peace. There is really no middle ground; he has a very unique voice that will either rub you the wrong or right way. Regardless of whether you are a fan of Maida, there is no denying that he is an extremely talented song-writer. "Thief" was one of the singles released off of their third studio album, "Happiness...Is Not a Fish That You Can Catch."
I like the song, but the story behind the song is why I chose to write about it. The song is actually in honor of a young girl from Kitchener, Mina Kim, who died of a cancerous brain tumor. The band outlines this in the liner notes for the CD. At the end of the song is a clip of Mina Kim singing "Little By Little" with Maida's wife, Chantal Kreviziuk.  |
Brain Cancer |
The "Thief" in the song refers to the brain tumor affecting Kim. I've heard cancer referred to as a lot of things, but probably nothing as appropriate as a "thief". Essentially that's what cancer does; it steals your health, and in most cases your life. It also steals you from your family and friends. I don't think anyone can understand how horrible cancer is until they experience it. Maida alludes to that thought in the line " I can't see that thief that lives inside of your head, but I can be some courage at the side of your bed." He's admitting that he has no idea what she is going through but at the least he can be there for her.
If you or anyone close to you has been affected by cancer this song will hit home big time. Listen with Kleenex on hand.I don't want to understand this horrorThere's a weight in your eyesI can't admitEverybody ends up here in bottlesBut the name tag's the last thing you wantedAs the world explodesWe fall out of itAnd we can't let goBecause this will not go awayThere's a house built out in spaceI can't see that thiefThat lives inside of your headBut I can be some courage atThe side of you bedI don't know what's happeningAnd I can't pretendBut I can be your, be yourSomeone help us understandWho ordered this disgustingArrangement, time and the endI don't want to hear who walkedOn water, because the hallways are emptyAnd the clocks tickAs the world implodesWe fall into itAnd we can't go homeBecause this will not go awayThere's a house built out in spaceI can't see that thiefThat lives inside of your headBut I can be some courage atThe side of you bedI don't know what's happeningAnd I can't pretend
It's a long, long get awayIt's a long, long get awayMake it home againMake it home againIt's a long, long get awayIt's a long, long get away
I can't see that thiefThat lives inside of your headBut I can be some courage atThe side of you bedI don't know what's happeningAnd I can't pretendBut I can be your, be your