Ironic Newman

Randy Newman's song "Great nations of Europe" is a satirical piece about the European nations conquering the "world". Newman uses irony to express his true feelings about the the great nations of europe. Even the title is ironic. "Great Nations of Europe". This line was repeated constantly throughout the song. Great doesn't just mean an above average ability and eminence, but also an above average quality. What above average quality, is it to tear people a part by dogs? This is an example of what we know v. what the character knows, because "we know" that one can not consider the Europeans great in quality for what they did to the native americans, while the characters truly believe that European countries are great for their victorious conquers. 

Another example of irony is when Balboa was told that the Indians were gay, "soooo he had them torn apart by dogs on religious grounds they say

the great nations of Europe were quite holy in their way". This is an example what is said v. what is meant irony. Newman say "holy" but is clearly implying that pulling people apart with dogs is an abomination act.

While there was a lot of irony in the texts there were also other components that make s piece satirical, including exaggeration. In the song Newman sings "Now they're gone, they're gone, they're really gone. You never seen anyone so gone.". This an extreme exaggeration, because not all the native americans died. Even though this is stating the opposite it is still not irony.