Satirical Song

      The song Great Nations of Europe by Randy Newman is a satirical piece which refers to the european conquest of the "world". With the use of irony Newman expresses what he truly feels and thinks of the europeans and their "conquest". "great nations of Europe" is the line repeated most throughout the song. Here great means, excellent and above average achievement for the Europeans. Which were at that time not so great at all, for their cruelty towards the native americans.

           "He met some friendly indians whom the church told him were gay,.. "

   Another example of irony is seen within this excerpt. Which demonstrates the Europeans extreme measures. The irony comes from his use of the word "holy", seemingly ridiculous given the absence of said holiness within the Europeans actions.

An example of a non ironic part in the song would be the description of the European conquest in the east, the songs first paragraph.