Categories: Multimedia

'Are You Ready,' a song by Dan Hill and Paul Quarrington and Martin Worthy

Solo: Paul Quarrington
Duet: Hill/Quarrington…

by macleans.ca on Thursday, January 28, 2010 10:39am - 44 Comments

Solo: Paul Quarrington

Duet: Hill/Quarrington

Tags: Are You Ready, Dan Hill, Paul Quarrington

Blair Packham

Paul Quarrington was a gift, an inspiration to me, even before his cancer diagnosis. I didn't know him well, but I spent some time with him recently, and I am grateful for that. This song is so beautiful, and makes me so emotional, listening to it again.
Neil Douglas

After reading the McLeans article, I looked up the song. WOW!!! It hits you like a warm wind on a hot summer day. So simple. So real. Thank you Paul and Dan. I will sing this song and hold back the tears. I am ready.
Kathleen Schratz

Beautiful.

Once again, thank you Paul.
Joanne Ingrassia

I was fortunate to hear Paul and Dan play this song a couple of times – at Hugh's Room at Paul's solo gig in November, and then at Bluebird North in December. Poignant doesn't even begin to describe the beauty and yet the heartache of this song, and of a man so deeply respected – and missed. I treasure the times I got to spend with him, and admire the honesty and braveness that he wore so well.. He didn't want to leave, but he wasn't afraid. He did everything he wanted. Much to be admired, even though he would shrug that kind of comment off with a wee chuckle and small smile.
http://www.blog.ca/Roseth Sigmund Roseth

Paul Quarrington was my instructor at a Writers seminar at Humber College, Lakeshore Campus a few years ago. He was cosiderate, attentive and humorous. He was also self-deprecating, saying he was not a "famous" writer. I did not even know he was also a musician — he never mentioned it.
Sue Hunter

A hearbreakingly beautiful song.
Sue Hunter

That should read: "heartbreakingly"…… it's hard to see the keyboard through the tears……
Carol K – Ottawa

Wow! What a beautiful song to transition to the next life…more therapeutic than a thousand hours with your "shrink" Dan. Thanks Paul and bon voyage…
bev

Powerful and consoling at the same time. A gift to those who may soon follow Paul through the darkness and into the light.

Carolyn Elliott-S

Quite magical in being both touching and consoling as you say. I suspect many of us in his situation or as a helpless-feeling bystander may want to listen to this song as time goes by. It could easily become one of those eternally human songs.
Carol

Patricia Talley

This seems like a wonderful parting gift from Paul Quarrington to everyone he left behind, friends and those like me who never even knew him until I read about him through his friend, Dan Hill. The song is so simple, beautiful and actually quite peaceful. Thank you to all who shared this with us.
Kim Van Horn

Like Neil, I read the article, was moved to look up the song, and then , man what a powerful piece of musical artistry, brilliant!!
Maija Vitols

The peacefulness and transcendental beauty of the song is a treasured gift..Thank you Paul and Dan.
debra kusmirski

haunting…beautiful…uplifting….sad…..it is a heartfelt statement made by a man knowing he is leaving us and by a frend who is helping him through this transition….thank you Dan and Paul
Marilyn Hewitt

Such a lovely melody with amazing lyrics
Leslie Ayre-Jaschke

I knew Paul was dying, but hadn't heard the news till my Maclean's arrived today. He died just 2 days after Kate McGarrigle left us–probably just as well I didn't know until now–they'll both be sorely missed. What a lovely article by Dan Hill, and a wonderful song by two old friends.
Suzanne Whims

I never knew or heard of Paul Quarrington but I knew, and always loved Dan Hill and am always interested in any article by, or about him. After reading the article in McLeans, I had to listen to the song. I was moved to tears… It doesn't matter if I didn't know Paul. The song touched me deeply and gave me a glimpse of what a brave and talented man he was and it also inspired me because, at this very moment, someone close to me is afflicted with lung cancer. I hope I can choose the right moment to let her listen to it. Thank you, Paul and Dan.
mary royer

A very personal song about dying. The article brought tears to my eyes. The song brought even more tears. What a talented artist and songwriter. We are all fortunate that Paul and Dan shared this with all of us. Thank you sincerely
David Goorevitch

A blessed voice touches so many, in so many ways. You are missed and loved. God bless you.
http://intensedebate.com/people/brucesherman brucesherman

This song is is not really about dying… it is rather about living life to its end… with poise … dignity… deliberation… and courage. Though I shed tears… they are tears of joy that the abyss of death need not be feared. What we dowith our time matters… to the very end! Thank "You" for this lesson Paul!
George Bowering

I didn't know who Dan Hill was, but I am glad to hear that he was a good friend to Paul Quarrington. It is just awful that we will not get ten more books from PQ. The song is just beautiful.

AABAbacus

He wrote Sometimes When We Touch…

Janet

It's weird how you can feel like you know someone purely from his stories. I never really knew Paul Quarrington but was lucky enough to meet him a few times at readings and seeing him perform music. 13 years ago I got a dog for a wedding present from my best friend. We named him Quarrington. I told PQ this on the odd occasion that I got to speak with him. I think he one, couldn't believe it, two, thought it was funny. We lost our dog to cancer in November 2009 shortly after I learned about PQ's illness. My dog became a Quarrington in his own right but my friends an family knew how much PQ influenced me and that he played oddly significant part in my life. He will be missed by me, and I am someone who is basically a stranger. I re-read his stories and they still make me laugh out loud. The song is a beautiful reminder of a great soul who clearly had beautiful and inspiring friendships.
TONY-Brossard Quebec

beautiful voice,from a beautiful human being,god bless
Bob

I've read some of Dan Hill's articles in Macleans in the past and found them very compelling. I was almost to the end of this one when Dan asked Paul where he wanted to go…"Don Mills" (home). I burst out crying at that (I never cry), as it reminded me of a friend who had died years ago, and I hadn't taken the opportunity to say goodbye. I guess I had buried the memory and out it came. I'm glad Dan had the chance to see Paul off and help him on the way. Nothing is more important. A beautiful story and a beautiful song.
myrta wright

Myrta

What a brave, inspiring, talented man
Paul Myers

I hope I'm as brave and insightful and honest as Paul when it is my time. Can barely handle how moving this is.