By Michael Baginski/ Earlier this year we were missing Triumph (as one does) and dusted off a video of Rik Emmett performing an acoustic version of the band’s signature song, “Magic Power.” Maybe the universe heard, since the Canadian power rock trio has just announced they’re reuniting for the first time in 30 years and embarking on a tour to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Starting April 22 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., the North American tour will include stops in Toronto, Hamilton, Halifax, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Calgary, and will be supported by fellow Canadian rockers April Wine.
Unlike April Wine, Triumph will be fully comprised of its original members – Emmett, Mike Levine and Gil Moore – who were inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in October.
Clearly having a moment some 45 year after their peak in the late ‘70s and ‘80s, the influential band was also feted with a tribute album in June, with “Magic Power: All-Star Tribute to Triumph” featuring famous “fans” that included Sebastian Bach (Skid Row), Slash (Guns ‘n Roses), Nancy Wilson (Heart), Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Lawrence Gowan (Styx), Alex Lifeson (Rush) and Phil X (Bon Jovi) stepping up to pay homage on a slew of memorable hits, including the likes of “Hold On,” “Somebody’s Out There,” and “Fight the Good Fight.”
And, of course, “Lay It On the Line” – my absolute favourite then, and now.
Lyrics
It’s the same old story all over again
You turn a lover into just another friend
I want to love you, I want to make you mine
Won’t you lay it on the line
I’m tired of playing foolish games
I’m tired of all of your lies making me insane
I don’t ask for much, the truth will do just fine
Won’t you lay it on the line
Lay it on the line
Lay it on the line
Lay it on the line
Don’t waste my time
You got no right to make me wait
We better talk, girl, before it gets too late
I never, ever thought you could be so unkind
Won’t you lay it on the line
Lay it on the line
Lay it on the line
Lay it on the line
Don’t waste my time
You know I love you (you know I love you), you know it’s true (you know it’s true)
It’s up to you, girl, now what have I got to do
Don’t hold me up, girl, don’t waste my precious time
Won’t you lay it on the line
Lay it on the line
Lay it on the line (lay it on the line)
Lay it on the line (don’t hold me up, girl)
Lay it on the line
Lay it on the line (lay it on the line, girl)
Lay it on the line (no, don’t hold me up)
Lay it on the line (lay it on the line)
Lay it on the line
Lay it on the line
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