Of Up And Coming Monarchs
Pedro the Lion Lyrics

The lyrics of Pedro the Lion's "Of Up and Coming Monarchs" are a commentary on the state of society and the disillusionment of the singer with the systems in place. The opening line, "Sunken ships rest upon the ocean floor, where I've made my home to dodge the draft once more", suggest that the singer has opted out of the traditional path of serving one's country in war. Instead, the singer chooses to live in isolation, literally living among sunken ships, to evade the draft. This could speak to the feeling of helplessness or disillusionment with the government's decisions and values.

The lyrics then move on to mention Canada as a once-viable option to flee the harshness of war. "There once was a time one could flee to the north. But Canada's not what she used to be, boycott the war, well she could not afford to, thanks to the new American queen." This suggests that, while Canada possibly was a haven for those fleeing conflicts or wars at one point, it is no longer an option due to recent political developments that have tied her closer to the United States. The reference to the "American queen" also suggests a disillusionment with the system and those in positions of power.

The final lines, "Swim with me and we'll escape all the trouble of the present age. Finally free. The mermaids teach us how to breath beneath the line that now divides action from apathy," could refer to the idea of escapism or disillusionment with the current state of society. By escaping to the underwater world with mermaids, the singer finds freedom from the realities of war and political systems. The line "beneath the line that now divides action from apathy" may suggest a desire to escape the division and apathy that exist in society, and the need for a new way of thinking and living.