"On the back of a cartoon coaster..."she sings. Why "cartoon"? I know that the French word for cardboard is "carton" , and that would make sense: a cardboard drink coaster. But she sings "cartoon".

Being from Canada, is Joni using a kind of pidgin term here? Is it a French Anglocism? Is it made up? Is she just being quirky and lyrical?

I like it, but thinking too much about it has his has recently started to bug me. Any insight or thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

According to the lyrics interpretation website RockGenius, it could be this:

" This coaster had a cartoon advert for some refreshing beverage on the top, and a blank underside, so she flips it over to draw on it. Cartoon implies humour, which is a bit of a contrast from the song’s contents — whatever else this song is, it isn’t humorous." (by user Palacelight)

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You can buy cartoon coasters here:

http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/cartoon-coaster.html

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http://www.masalaworks.com/products/french-cartoon-coaster

It didn't strike me as out of place at all. Canadians don't say "cartoon coaster" so she is actually describing the physical object.

I can picture the coaster if I imagine it is a novelty printed coaster, or at least has something on ONE side, and then a place to draw Canada on the other side, blank or not.