Blue Rodeo, veterans of the americana scene for over forty years, have several songs in their vast catalogue that remain perennial fan favourites; 5 Days In May is one such song. The opening number from Five Days In July was simply meant to be part of an acoustic side project, a stopgap before the next record. The sessions were recorded live off the floor in the living room of singer/guitarist Greg Keelor’s farm in rural Ontario. The songs that emerged from this relaxed atmosphere were noticeably quieter and rootsier than some of their most recent recordings, and held together nicely as a uniform collection. 5 Days In May, generally perceived as the unofficial title track, set the tone for what was to follow: a cohesive set of acoustic-leaning, harmony-driven, melodic americana.
Songwriter Jim Cuddy notes that the song’s narrative stems from an amalgamation of several ideas he had kicking around at the time, with the common thread being the deep affection he felt for his wife. In a few short verses, Cuddy perfectly encapsulates the feeling of acknowledging the moment when a connection with someone feels both natural and timeless, as if you’ve known them forever: “But I know my past / You were there / Everything I’ve done / You are the one”.
The gently loping melody, intriguing lyrics and Cuddy’s honeyed tenor, which remains remarkably intact all these years later, work together to create a truly cinematic experience. The mostly acoustic arrangement features some restrained playing by the band as they take turns weaving in and out of the melody while providing subtle touches of harmonica, piano, and some soft brush drumming. The intimacy of the recording is eventually broken by a subdued electric guitar that ebbs and flows throughout the song until emerging close to the end with a menacing effect before eventually fading out again, much like a passing storm. There’s a breeziness and romanticism to the song that evokes carefree summer evenings and a relaxed, backwoods vibe. Like the Canadian tuxedo, it’s a timeless classic.
