Canadian rock star Bryan Adams released a protest song on Canada Day, July 1, 2026, titled '51st State,' in which he declares, 'We'll never be the 51st state.' The song, lasting 2 minutes and 16 seconds, was made available on streaming platforms Wednesday.
Song lyrics address tariffs and national pride
The lyrics celebrate the shared history and friendship between Canada and the United States but vow to defend Canadian sovereignty. Adams sings: 'Maybe you've forgotten; Maybe you just don't care; But we always stood beside you; For that liberty we share.' The song does not mention Donald Trump by name but references his repeated suggestions about Canada becoming the 51st state.
Adams includes a rare rock reference to tariffs: 'So let me give you some advice mister; You might have too much on your plate; Go and load us up with tariffs; But we'll never be the 51st State.' He also sings, 'Yeah, we're better off together; We'll be better hand in hand; But the 49th parallel; Has become a line drawn in the sand.'
Adams previews song on social media
On Tuesday, Adams previewed the song in a black-and-white video on social media. In the clip, he carries a mug in a concert hall, wears a shirt made of two different flannel patterns, and speaks directly to the camera. He says: 'Sometimes you write a song that reflects exactly what you feel. Other times, you write songs that reflect the times. This next song, I think reflects both.'
Adams continues in the lyrics: 'So let me give it to you straight; When you're talking about my home; You better show some respect; Cause up here we take care of our own.' He also sings, 'You're welcome cross the border; But we'll never be the 51st State.'
Adams' career and activism
Adams, 66, was born in Kingston, Ontario, and grew up in Ottawa and Vancouver. He became a recording artist at 15 and by the mid-1980s was one of the biggest rock stars in the world. He has been honored for his charity and humanitarian work, including receiving the Allan Water Humanitarian Award in 2010. Despite his party-rock anthems and love ballads, he has never shied away from speaking out.
Last year, Adams repeated his call to end Canadian content (CanCon) rules, which require Canadian radio stations to play a minimum number of Canadian songs daily. According to The Canadian Press, he called the rules 'really stupid' and suggested they propped up mediocre music. Adams credited an American disk jockey for boosting his breakout song 'Lonely Nights,' and his 1991 hit '(Everything I Do) I Do It For You' did not qualify for CanCon because of collaborations with non-Canadians. 'People listen to music, they don't consider nationality,' Adams said, according to the CP report.
