At first glance it looks like this song pokes fun at Canada, but there is much more to it.
It really is written to poke fun at the way Americans form ridiculous stereotypes about Canada.
The song is also a humorous commentary about American paranoia and aggression:
"It's gotta mean they're all up to something
so quick before they see it coming
time for a pre-emptive strike"
The song also tries to indirectly characterize Americans as over-aggressive.
"they (Canadians) leave the house without packin' heat
never even bring their guns to the mall "
As the "American voice" of the song is confused as to why Canadians don't feel the need to carry guns with them whenever they leave the house.
The song spends a lot of time "poking fun" at Canada, but the stereotypes are meant to sound overly-silly to emphasize how ridiculous American beliefs about Canada can be.
The songwriter's true positive feelings about Canada shine through in direct compliments to the country:
"they got their national health care
Cheaper meds, low crime rates, and clean air"
In contrast, the song doesn't make any compliments about American lifestyle at all.
Overall, its actually a very pro-Canada song if you read between the lines. The song characterizes Canadians as a polite people. The song recognizes Canada for their low pollution, low crime, and health care system. Americans are described as aggressive and paranoid folks that carry guns everywhere.
At first glance it looks like this song pokes fun at Canada, but there is much more to it.
It really is written to poke fun at the way Americans form ridiculous stereotypes about Canada.
The song is also a humorous commentary about American paranoia and aggression:
"It's gotta mean they're all up to something so quick before they see it coming time for a pre-emptive strike"
The song also tries to indirectly characterize Americans as over-aggressive.
"they (Canadians) leave the house without packin' heat never even bring their guns to the mall "
As the "American voice" of the song is confused as to why Canadians don't feel the need to carry guns with them whenever they leave the house.
The song spends a lot of time "poking fun" at Canada, but the stereotypes are meant to sound overly-silly to emphasize how ridiculous American beliefs about Canada can be.
The songwriter's true positive feelings about Canada shine through in direct compliments to the country:
"they got their national health care Cheaper meds, low crime rates, and clean air"
In contrast, the song doesn't make any compliments about American lifestyle at all.
Overall, its actually a very pro-Canada song if you read between the lines. The song characterizes Canadians as a polite people. The song recognizes Canada for their low pollution, low crime, and health care system. Americans are described as aggressive and paranoid folks that carry guns everywhere.