Hon. Andrew Cardozo: I would like to ask the Government Representative a question. Senator Gold, you are a musician. You like strumming on your guitar, and I’m curious: Starting next week, who are you going to be channelling?

Will it be Otis Redding singing:

I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay

Watching the tide roll away

Ooh, I’m just sittin’ on the dock of the bay

Wastin’ time

Will it be Zero Mostel singing:

If I were a rich man . . .

All day long I’d biddy biddy bum

If I were a wealthy man

I wouldn’t have to work hard

Will it be Johnny PayCheck singing:

Ya better not try to stand in my way

As I’m walkin’ out the door

Take this job and shove it

I ain’t workin’ here no more

Or will you choose Leonard Cohen’s “Dance Me to the End of Love”?

Senator Gold, what is going to be your theme song?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): You have named a lot of my favourite artists. I don’t think I will have one theme song. That’s a lovely way to end this session.

Just a few days ago, Nancy and I went to see Mavis Staples here in Ottawa. I’ve loved her since she was a gospel singer, before she went to pop. My wife saw and even met her back in 1978. She was unbelievable.

This sounds a bit self-centred, but I hope you will forgive me. I think my theme song will be “Respect Yourself.” That’s what I think we all should be doing in our lives, whether in our work or in the chapters that follow. Thank you for your question.

Senator Cardozo: If you find yourself strumming Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” Senator Gold, I want you to step away from your guitar, grab your wife, Nancy, then jump in your car and drive right back here to the Senate of Canada Building. We can help you.

But what I want to say to you, Senator Mégie and Senator Seidman is the following:

Here’s the song I’d like to sing to you:

People, o my people, it is your turn

To receive the love you’ve earned

People, o my people, it is your turn

To receive the love you’ve earned

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!