The Gregory Brothers' song "The Cancelled Debate, But We Un-Cancelled It" is a satirical take on the US presidential debate and the events and issues surrounding it. The lyrics portray a humorous and exaggerated version of the debate, highlighting various topics such as the economy, COVID-19, climate change, racial justice, and more. The song starts by inviting the listener to a land of fantasy where the town hall debate didn't get canceled and people are engaged in inquiries. It then touches upon the struggles faced by businesses during the pandemic, with the narrator firing all the waiters and even himself. The recurring question throughout the song is "Who's gonna work it out?", referring to the challenges faced by the nation and who will find the solutions. The lyrics also address the state of the economy, expressing belief that it will recover ("going to be shaped like a 'V'"), and advocating for investments in small businesses. It mentions the impact of COVID-19, expressing the desire for everyone affected to have their bills paid and the hope for the return of football games. The song also humorously refers to the sky turning orange in California and suggests building a massive bunker for the state. Climate change is touched upon with references to the forest floor being loaded with dead trees and the importance of moving towards renewable energies and electric vehicles. The lyrics then shift to the topic of justice and peace, questioning when the Constitution will come to life to make it happen automatically. The narrator denounces white supremacy, acknowledges the need for police reform, and addresses systemic racism. The song also tackles the controversy and debate surrounding mask-wearing during the pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of science and consensus in preventing the spread of the disease. The lyrics playfully mention the different opinions and confusion surrounding masks, highlighting the number of COVID-19 tests conducted and the lives lost. Towards the end, the song transitions into a more light-hearted tone, with the narrator mentioning their preference to avoid catching COVID-19 and their hopes for the future. It concludes by reminding listeners to vote and signifies a shift back to fantasy, where the narrator envisions eating vegan chicken wings with Mahatma Gandhi's ghost while cracking jokes. Overall, "The Cancelled Debate, But We Un-Cancelled It" by The Gregory Brothers is a satirical and humorous commentary on the US presidential debate and various current events, presenting exaggerated situations and tackling a range of topics with wit and wordplay.
