37 Famous Canadian Songs

“Drunk Teenagers” by Joel Plaskett Emergency

Song Year: 2007

Teenagers can do stupid things, and that’s on full display here as the lyrics talk about some of the antics and behaviors that can happen when kids get drunk. The focus is more on getting drunk and doing whatever they feel like, and while it may not seem to go anywhere, neither do kids who are so plastered.

“Suzanne” by Leonard Cohen

Song Year: 1967

The first track from Cohen’s debut album, “Suzanne” was originally a poem before Cohen decided to put a melody to it. The song is about the wife of a famed artist from Quebec and Cohen’s relationship with her. Since its release, it’s appeared in multiple film soundtracks, making it one of Cohen’s most enduring melodies.

“Working for the Weekend” by Loverboy

Song Year: 1981

Loverboy’s rock hit managed to reach up to #2 on the mainstream rock chart despite its release late in 1981. Mainly written by Paul Dean, the song tells of an experience of his where he was strolling along a popular beach, but it was almost empty because everyone was working. His conclusion, then, was that people were waiting (and working) for time to be themselves.

“Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats

Song Year: 1982

Recognizable in its first few notes, “Safety Dance” was something of a flop, but got remixed into a far more popular dance hit. It’s ultimately about nonconformity and how some places would discourage dancing, which the Men Without Hats wanted to encourage. The music video is practically a fever dream and worth watching.

“Heart of Gold” by Neil Young

Song Year: 1972

Neil Young has released many popular tracks in Canada, but “Heart of Gold” is easily one of his top songs. This mix of country, folk, and rock isn’t entirely clear whether he’s singing about looking for love or finding the optimism and goodness inside of himself, but it’s heartfelt and honest throughout.

“My Way” by Paul Anka

Song Year: 1968

Famously brought to popularity by Frank Sinatra’s cover of it (and later by many other artists, including Sid Vicious and Elvis Presley), “My Way” is a legendary pop anthem that represents the “me” generation and the focus on individualism. The song’s reach to legendary heights also shows Anka’s skill at lyric writing, even if his original isn’t as popular as Sinatra’s take.

For a better experience, listen to Anka’s version first, then Sinatra’s immediately after. Pay attention to the different things artists can do when singing the same song, and that will show some of the talent and complexity involved with producing enduring hits.

“2112” by Rush

Song Year: 1976

At more than 20 minutes, 2112 is easily one of the longest songs on this list. It features long instrumental sections, broken into several distinct sections. The lyrics tell the story of priests who have taken over people’s lives, and who reject the protagonist’s attempt to bring music. The ending suggests the arrival of an outside force, though, turning the world for the better.

“Brother Down” by Sam Roberts

Song Year: 2000

Brother Down is the primary track from Sam Roberts’ first album, which was eventually re-recorded to improve it a little. This is a bold and aggressive song, directly attacking some of the promises made by economic systems while providing a deep and introspective look at various situations.

“Sweet Surrender” by Sarah McLachlan

Song Year: 1997

“Sweet Surrender” is a very personal song, touching on the experience of giving all that you can and that still not being enough for a situation. In that context, sometimes surrender is the only option no matter how much you want to keep fighting.

“That Don’t Impress Me Much” by Shania Twain

Song Year: 1997

One of Shania Twain’s all-time top hits, this tune focuses on a series of encounters with men and Twain’s feelings about them. Her primary emphasis is that she’s looking for a real connection with someone, not a shallow or superficial relationship.

Throughout the song, Twain focuses on multiple characteristics in people, from intelligence to appearance, and cutting all of them down. Her blunt view cuts down the idea that there’s a single trait or attribute that makes someone inherently desirable if there isn’t a genuine connection to go with it.

“Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane

Song Year: 1991

Hitting #1 in Canada in the year of its release and trailing not far behind in the US, Cochrane originally wrote this as a song about love. However, he felt it was unusable, and eventually edited it to focus on life instead. While most people will recognize the chorus quickly, the lyrics mainly focus on some of Cochrane’s experiences with poverty out on tour.

“Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd

Song Year: 2015

A rarer R&B hit from Canada, “Can’t Feel My Face” transforms addictive drugs (suspected to be a reference to cocaine) into the idea of a woman, and especially all the negative influences it can have. It’s easily one of the most famous Canadian songs of all time, too, and certified The Weeknd as an artist worth paying attention to.

Interestingly, this song also works in additional storytelling as a way to explain what drugs and addiction can be like. Many singers struggle with drugs, especially between the highs of major performances, so it’s no surprise that this song resonates so well.

Famous Canadian Songs, Final Thoughts

Canada may not be the first place that comes to mind for music, but famous Canadian songs are often among the most-recognized tunes in the world. Crossing all genres and subject matter, all of these songs are worth listening to if you’re a fan of music at all.