37 Famous Canadian Songs

“Universal Soldier” by Buffy Sainte-Marie

Song Year: 1964

One of Buffy Sainte-Marie’s oldest hits, Universal Soldier is a relatively short song at a little over two minutes and didn’t immediately see success on release. However, a few other artists covered it, and it soon rose to prominence along with anti-war sentiments.

The lyrics come from the perspective of a student who’s focusing on writing an essay, trying to persuade their professor while discussing some of the attitudes of soldiers throughout history. It’s ultimately about individual responsibility in wartime, and how older models of thinking can hurt people.

“Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen

Song Year: 2012

Another song that feels older than it is, Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” is a Grammy-nominated pop hit talks about how easy it can be to fall in love and how people can act on impulses to try and start a relationship. It’s a fundamentally optimistic song, though, and despite its passion, it maintains a line of invitation instead of pushing too hard.

“Willow Tree” by Chad VanGaalen

Song Year: 2008

Willow Tree is a relatively somber song behind its loud instrumental sections. In it, the singer discusses sleeping all day to avoid the burdens of the daytime, and only at night and in death do they feel like they can ever be free. VanGaalen earned nominations for a Juno Award and the Polaris Music Prize for this track.

“Young Lions” by Constantines

Song Year: 2003

“Young Lions” is a song aimed at the world’s youth, encouraging them to step up and act as they grow. They focus on the idea that few paths in life can be truly righteous, so people must choose their crime to live. However, at the same time, the youth can light up the world and will ultimately have responsibility for it.

“1234” by Feist

Song Year: 2007

Feist’s 2007 indie pop song launched her towards independent fame, earning Juno Awards for both single and songwriter of the year. Its ultimate focus is on people’s desire for love, but also how money can’t buy genuine feelings. The smooth, rolling lyrics are almost impossible to get out of your head, which might contribute to its popularity.

“Don’t Forget Me When I’m Gone” by Glass Tiger

Song Year: 1986

Glass Tiger got support from Bryan Adams (one of the top-selling musicians of all time) for this song. It shows, with this song reaching #1 in Canada and #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in the United States. The lyrics focus on a breakup, including lingering feelings and the desire to be remembered even after a relationship is over.

“Storm” by Godspeed You! Black Emperor

Song Year: 2000

That’s an interesting band name, isn’t it? “Storm” is also one of the longest songs on this list, coming in at more than 22 minutes. It’s primarily instrumental, going through several entirely different styles, and it’s fair to say this song is almost an album in its own right. The eventual lyrics go from French to English, and good luck understanding why it’s in there.

“Cotton Jenny” by Gordon Lightfoot

Song Year: 1972

Hitting the top of three charts in Canada after its release in early 1972, Lightfoot’s single is a country-pop tune focusing on the intimate relationship between two people as they navigate life’s circumstances. While they may not have a lot of money to go around, they’re largely content with each other, and that’s a lesson we should all remember.

“American Woman” by The Guess Who

Song Year: 1970

Not to be confused with the also-famous rock band The Who, The Guess Who wrote this song in 1969 after an extensive tour through the United States.

The band members have given different interpretations for the lyrics, with one mentioning that the woman in question was the American government trying to draft them into Vietnam, while another citing the forward nature of women they met on tour.

“The Time is Here” by The Grapes of Wrath

Song Year: 1989

Often considered the finest work of The Grapes of Wrath, “The Time is Here” is an alternative rock song about making decisions and moving on. It can take time for people to reach a decision, but people are often happier once they do, and there’s no sense in remaining in limbo.

“Bad As They Seem” by Hayden

Song Year: 2002

Hayden’s 2002 folk song is relatively gloomy, talking about a young man stuck in a situation where everything is as bad as it seems, but he’s still hoping for something better. With no real romance, work, or independent housing, it can be difficult to feel like you’re going anywhere. The lyrics here are poignant but honest, resonating well with their audience.

“The House That Heaven Built” by Japandroids

Song Year: 2012

Japandroids made a complicated song for the second single from their album Celebration Rock, focusing on the relationship between two people as they move towards their dreams. The lyrics touch on the idea that fans can live in the shadow of a singer’s emotions, never as important as someone closer by.