Story Behind The Song
Mary felt that Canadians did not realize how successful they are and have been and thought she would write a song that highlights the successes of Canadians, even though the proud reply of Canadians in her song is not typical of a Canadian response!
Song Description
A woman asks a pilot, an engineer and others how they accomplish so many things. the answer is that they are Canadians.
| Song Length |
2:59 |
Genre |
Pop - General, Jazz - Swing |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Cheerful, Pleasant |
Subject |
Pride, Country, Nation |
| Language |
English |
Era |
2000 and later |
Lyrics
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
(I'M A CANADIAN)
Words and Music by Mary Cole Grimley. Arranged by Greg Garrett.
Verse 1 Hey, Mr. Pilot!
How d'you land that plane
Through all those trees and
Pouring rain?
The thunder and lightning was
Really fright'ning!
He said, "Ma'am,
You have to understand
I'm a Canadian...
( Backup voices: Ooooo!)
CHORUS O will you pardon me,
I just need to know-
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
There are so few of you,
You live in so much snow-
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
You care for polar bears,
You bring peace ev'ry where
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
Verse 2 Hey, Mr. Engineer!
How does Canadarm
Grab satellites
Away from harm?
How you help the space station
De-fies imagination!
He said, "Ma'am,
You have to understand
I'm a Canadian..."
(Backup voices: Ooooo!)
CHORUS O will you pardon me,
I just need to know-
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
There are so few of you,
You live in so much snow-
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
You care for polar bears,
You bring peace ev'ry where
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
INSTRUMENTAL
He said, "Ma'am,
You have to understand
I'm a Canadian..."
(Back-up voices: Ooooo )
CHORUS O will you pardon me,
I just need to know-
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
There are so few of you,
You live in so much snow-
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
You care for polar bears,
You bring peace ev'ry where
HOW DO YOU DO THAT?
INSTRUMENTAL
Vocal noodles out on "Ma'am, I'm a Canadian.." Ma'am, you have to understand I'm a Canadian. Canadian."
© 2008 Mary Cole and Greg Garrett