From the recording Assorted Ruminations
A Canadian reaction to threats of annexation by a hostile United States Executive Branch. We have our “elbows up” and will fight this threat.
In a world filled with intolerance and misinformation, fuelled by Trumpism and other “populist” and dictatorial ideologies, there is hope but it can feel like we are stuck on a train headed towards a very bleak future. A train headed down a fixed set of tracks to nowhere.
It is our collective duty to resist this threat to decency.
Written by: Jeff Patch
Lead Vocals: James Morrison
Background Vocals: Amanda L. Case, Natalie Thibodeau
Violin and Viola: Natalia Delacroix
Acoustic Guitar: Jeff Patch
Electric Guitars: James Morrison, Rob McFee
Bass: Olivier LeBlanc
Drums: James Rooney
Lyrics
It’s a curious thing
What the spirit brings
And it can sting
When the bell rings
On the tracks to nowhere
Don’t want to go there
It wasn’t a treat
there was deceit
When you got to meet
And took your seat
Can it be wrong
To sing the song
Trying to get along
But you don’t belong
Accelerate
Interest rates
Tempting fate
51st State
Gather up arms
Protect the farms
Clasp your charms
Sound alarms
Kept in line
Seeing no crime
Staying alive
But you can’t drive
Beware the rich
you’re their bitch
Flip the switch
Try to unhitch
On the run
It’s no fun
But I got my gun
And a bottle of rum
Medicate
It’s on your plate
Too little too late
Mark the date
Spill the beans
At the canteen
Then hear the screams
As the car careens
Draw the sword
Cut the cord
Mind the stores
No reward
We’ll take no more
Of that fascist stuff
We’ve had enough
And got our elbows up