In the term 'American dream' , 'dream' refers to 'hopes for an ideal future' I think the word 'dream' in the title of this song has nothing to do with 'hope' but the alternative definition of 'dream' , which is 'illusion' or just 'impression'

I think the term 'Canadian Dream' is the American (or international) idea of what Canada is like, which is often a misconception.

"Frozen land, frozen minds, Frozen hands and frozen time" "Cause everything moves real slow when it's forty below"

This is what Americans (and others) think of Canada (it's the 'Canadian dream' because it's their 'dream of what Canada is' .. and it's only a dream because they've never been here).

In the well-populated areas it's RARELY below 40 Celsius , things do not move slow, time is not frozen, our minds are not frozen and the land sure as hell ain't frozen - so these lines must NOT be sincere and are just a description of the 'Canadian dream'

"I went out on the street today. The Canadian Dream was as far away as it's ever been"

If you actually come here, you'll notice that people's impression of Canada (the 'Canadian dream') is quite a misconception.

==================================== As for the socialism. Please let's put our minds together and figure something out.

It might have something to do with the fact that Sam Roberts is from Québec and a popular political group there (Parti Québécois) is socialist. Also, this album came out in 2003, towards the end of this party's 1994-2003 'stint' away from socialism.

Please comment on the socialism part of this song though, it's bothering me.

I have a hard time taking this song literally. As a Canadian myself, I see the lyrics as more of a sarcastic jab at American misconceptions about Canada, as the line "frozen land, frozen minds, frozen hands and frozen time" is most certainly not the way that a Canadian would refer to our country -- it is much the opposite.

weird song.. eh..

awesome song. especially if you live in canada and listen to it when you're out walking in a huge blizzard... it seems warmer... im so cold.

Mmmm great song lol matches my name cuz Sam Roberts R.O.C.K.S.

I could never get if he was being sincere or sarcastic about socialism being the only way...

There are a couple of big questions that seem to arrise out of this song: 1) Is this a pro-socialism or an anti-socialism song or neither? 2) What is the Canadian Dream?

Here's what I get from the lyrcis:

1) Canada is socialist and wants to be socialist and it doesn't look like that is going to change anytime soon. 2) Progression towards the Canadian Dream is not really getting anywhere. 3) The Canadian Dream = freedom and equality for everyone where everyone gets along with one another (ie. socialism)

Therefore: my answer to Q1 is Neither because the song may really be saying that while we think we've got socialism and praise socialism, we aren't really there yet and there is still more work to do to get there.

The refrain of S.O.C.I.A.L.I.S.M is connected to the frozen minds. The socialist mindset and tendencies are what are keeping Canadian dreams frozen, slowing everything down.