Broken Social Scene: Canada vs America' was always a cheeky song

"We're going to get through this, says the chorus of Broken Social Scene's new song, Not Around Anymore, in which Kevin Drew, one of the two leaders of the Canadian indie rock collective, tries to offer calm amid the chaos of the current era to anyone who needs it. Although the lyrics don't directly address it, they fit perfectly into the context of tension in North America and the rest of the world."

"They don't have them beyond their parents, Drew says. Right now we are in an identity war, not a spiritual war, and leaders are failing them, he says, referring to the current global sociopolitical state, which in this conversation immediately brings to mind the title of Canada vs America, a song by Broken Social Scene released in 2005, two decades before Donald Trump's trade war against Canada and Mexico began, which has led to anti-U.S. sentiment in the northern country."

"Drew says the song's lyrics were inspired by the death of his mother, but admits that the message can be applied to different contexts. There is a surrender that comes with accepting the truth, and a relief in that. Once you accept it, you can start again, he says, suggesting that humanity is at a point of recognition amid the chaos."

The chorus states 'We're going to get through this,' offering calm amid the chaos of the current era. Lyrics do not directly reference global tensions but fit into a broader context of unrest across North America and the world. The song draws on the death of the singer's mother while allowing its message to apply across different social situations. The track frames acceptance as a surrender that brings relief and enables re-starting. The music video shows children holding a sign reading 'We need role models,' highlighting an identity war and leaders who are failing youth. The overall tone is a call for hope.

Read at english.elpais.com