Submitted by Sandy Graham
Historically, Canada and the United States have been friends, neighbours and allies since Canada ‘s inception in 1867. However, all of that changed when newly elected president of the United States Donald Trump decided that Canada should become the 51st state. This of course is a ridiculous concept and rather insulting to Canada as a sovereign nation.
Trump underestimated Canada ‘s pride of country their strength and resolve.
Enter Bowser and Blue, George Bowser and Rick Blue, the Montreal-based legendary musical/comedy duo, famous for their satirical and topical songs. And they didn’t disappoint, recording a song that echoes the sentiments of the majority of Canadians:
This Land Is OUR Land (Don’t Try and Grab It).
Check it out on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj-9l1C6FgA
Bowser explains the genesis of this latest release. “Rick and I have always had a song to suit whatever event is capturing the attention of the masses. Our fans have come to expect it of us now so when this whole annexation nonsense started and the 51st State idea was being broadcast we started to work on a song about that. But then my old friend and band mate Don Graham sent along something that he had written that said everything we wanted to say. Rick and I decided we’d ask Don if he’d be interested in having us record it. He agreed and went on to explain that he had written it with us in mind.”
Don Graham further explains, “I had written this song about the 51st State idea that Trump was honking about thinking how perfect it would be for my old friends George and Rick. But I had no intention of asking them to record it because they are both great songwriters themselves and could easily write their own. It would be a little presumptuous to think they would want to do it. It’s kinda like sending a song to Paul Simon and saying ‘how would you like to record this Paul?’ But they both agreed that it was the perfect song for them at this time. And they did an amazing job of bringing the song to life.”
The song was written, recorded and released within 5 days and with such expediency that the reception by the public and the media of this song exceeded all expectations. It has resonated with the newly galvanized Canadian public and its National spirit has made an impact on all who hear it.
Listen on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/album/1nRweLAcPgveGdpfWIUuIT
As Rick Blue said, “I mentioned to George that we don’t usually do cover songs and he said it’s a DIScovered song. It’s not a middle finger to the President but it’s a strong statement and we never mention his name although it’s clear who it’s directed to. Very diplomatic in a truly Canadian way.”
Bowser added “And it ends with a positive affirmation that it will be alright when things go back to the way they used to be. It might be four years later but that’s unspoken.”
Lyrics:
This Land Is Our Land
(Don’t Try and Grab It)
You want us to be red, white and blue
But that’s not something we want to do
51st state? Not a chance.
Tell the man behind the Resolute desk
We don’t want any part of his mess
If it’s all the same, we’ll sit out this dance.
This land is our land don’t try and grab it
This land is our land you can’t have it.
I know you think you’re shiny and cool
And you might have your people fooled
But we see through you like an old screen door
We don’t kneel and we don’t bow
We got elbows up like Gordie Howe
And we will fight for what’s worth fighting for.
This land is our land don’t try and grab it
This land is our land you can’t have it.
Texas is big you want us to know
But you could fit it in Ontario
And still have room for Kentucky and Tennessee
We used to be the best of friends
And we can be that way again
When things go back to the way they used to be
This land is our land don’t try and grab it
This land is our land you can’t have it.
Don Graham (writer)
You Guys Music (publisher)
SOCAN / BMI
This Land Is OUR Land (Don’t Try and Grab It)
For more visit: https://bowserandblue.com/