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A Speculative Fiction Lyrics
A new iron curtain drawn across the 49th parallel. Cut all diplomatic ties as we expel all American dignitaries and issue a nation-wide travel advisory for any others left outside. Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. The burned out shells of south-bound traffic lay strewn along a cold stretch of would-be interstate. Still visible below their charred remains: Pax Americana plates. Your stupid fucking laser-pucks were just the start. And while you may stand six full cubits and a span, we got a shepherd's sling and five stones in our hand and the battle of 1812 lives in our hearts. We don't care if we're destroyed. We'll never capitulate. We'll take the whole fucking world down with us in flames. Just a speculative fiction. No cause for alarm. We got at 15 years left 'til the United We Stand murals on West Broadway finally fade and we wave good-bye to such sad, childish refrains. Replaced with other stupid lullabies like you can have my guns when you pry them from my cold dead hands. Just a speculative fiction. No cause for alarm.
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Yeah, it's basically about what could happen if a war broke out between the US and Canada. For example...
"the 49th parallel" - the division between Alaska (the 50th state) and the continental US "southbound traffic" - Americans attempting to leave Canada (who clearly didn't quite make it)
But from the sound of it, it doesn't stay a cold war for long and both sides start going to extreme measures to win a prideful war, saying things like "we'll take the whole fucking world down."
But in the end, he admits that it is just "a speculative fiction" and that things will just keep stupidly going on in America the same as they always have. ("replaced with other stupid lullabies")
Just my thoughts. Any other ideas?
That allmusic review is correct. The title of the song even gives it away.
Also, the line, "your stupid fucking laser pucks were just the start"
That's a reference NHL (hockey) games that used to be broadcasted on FOX. The network made this laser light cover the puck when broadcasted on TV so viewers could see it easier. In the end it turned out to be annoying and it was better without the laser.
good point. . i agree .. the puck thing is a funny reference
good point. . i agree .. the puck thing is a funny reference
zmodem, I think I can clarify the "United We Stand" thing for you. West Broadway is a real neighborhood in Winnipeg (where the band is based). David Nygard, the Winnipeg-based designer and fashionista, owns a building in West Broadway where he had a huge mural made after 9/11 with Canadian and American flags and the phrase "United We Stand."
As the song is lampooning Canadian nationalism, I think the implication is that by Canadians hating the pro-USA mural we are directing our patriotism at token or symbolic images when we could be using our energies at making real and positive changes.
It's about how Canadians think they're so much better than Americans, but really, they're all pretty much complacent and complicit in the same shit.
I don't see Propagandhi really writing a song slamming someone else for hating America.
The allmusic.com review says that it describes a fictional cold war between America and Canada and I think that sounds pretty accurate considering the lyrics.
Wow, must remember not to use the back button on this site.
taken from an interview: I thought A Speculative Fiction was a good take on a sort of Cold War/Rebellion against America from a Canadians view, left as a questionable idea/warning, and a great song; any comments on it yet? Cause I could see it being taken wrong by some people.
answer: I have seen so many people take that song wrong. that doesn't bother me though because if you read it with any amount of thought or interest the lyrics are clear. It's actually a song about pathetic nationalism. It's really easy for Canucks to shake our dirty hoops at the U.S. but we're fucked too.
Anyone here in Feb 2025 thinking this is all little close to home now given Trump's suggestion that Canada would make a great 51st State?
@Crussell83 I think so. Trump needs to mind his own business and concentrate on running America well. Let Canada be Canada. Btw I never heard of this band until now. Their music reminds me of punk music.
@Crussell83 I think so. Trump needs to mind his own business and concentrate on running America well. Let Canada be Canada. Btw I never heard of this band until now. Their music reminds me of punk music.
@Crussell83 yeah, pretty sure that wasn't meant to be taken seriously, Tump's a shit talker that likes to get people riled up and it clearly worked. IMO he was just was just trying to flex on Trudeau (who is more of an actual dictator).. it's ridiculous to say that this song is prophetic in any way, there is no war and there won't be, it's just propagandhi showing pride in Canada and being silly
@Crussell83 yeah, pretty sure that wasn't meant to be taken seriously, Tump's a shit talker that likes to get people riled up and it clearly worked. IMO he was just was just trying to flex on Trudeau (who is more of an actual dictator).. it's ridiculous to say that this song is prophetic in any way, there is no war and there won't be, it's just propagandhi showing pride in Canada and being silly
Fucking strong opening track for their latest album. Wow. I love it.
And while you may stand six full cubits and a span, we got a shepherd's sling and five stones in our hand and the battle of 1812 lives in our hearts.
I love this line. D vs G and the War of 1812
im glad you mentioned D and G, i couldnt figure out what six full cubits and a span referred to..
im glad you mentioned D and G, i couldnt figure out what six full cubits and a span referred to..