“When Canada Joined Newfoundland” is a spirited track from Bryan Adams’ 2023 album How’s It Goin’. Known for his raspy vocals and anthemic rock sound, Adams tackles a slice of Canadian history with his trademark lyrical flair.
The song recounts the 1949 confederation of Newfoundland with Canada, blending historical references with vivid imagery of coastlines, Mounties, and the celebratory spirit that followed the province’s entry into the union.
[Verse 1]
Don’t ask about the time zone
And there’ll probably never be a bridge
From the shores of the Grand Banks
To Labrador’s ridge
In the year of 1949
Feelings were kind of torn
But after years and years of struggles
A tenth province was born
Don’t ask about the time zone
And there’ll probably never be a bridge
From the shores of the Grand Banks
To Labrador’s ridge
In the year of 1949
Feelings were kind of torn
But after years and years of struggles
A tenth province was born
[Chorus]
When Canada joined Newfoundland
The map was redrawn by a hand
With a slight margin, a stroke of a pen
They said, “Let the Canadians in”
Sign on the line for a whole new plan
Grab every guitar
Start up the band
Shout out every woman and every man
That’s when Canada joined Newfoundland
When Canada joined Newfoundland
The map was redrawn by a hand
With a slight margin, a stroke of a pen
They said, “Let the Canadians in”
Sign on the line for a whole new plan
Grab every guitar
Start up the band
Shout out every woman and every man
That’s when Canada joined Newfoundland
[Verse 2]
Between the old ties to the crown
And a future across the bay
It took a splash of Screech and a salty breeze
To make it the northern way
And the Mounties got some brand‑new boots
And the people traded their disputes
For a seat at the table
Where the maple leaf sits today
Between the old ties to the crown
And a future across the bay
It took a splash of Screech and a salty breeze
To make it the northern way
And the Mounties got some brand‑new boots
And the people traded their disputes
For a seat at the table
Where the maple leaf sits today
[Chorus]
When Canada joined Newfoundland
The map was redrawn by a hand
With a slight margin, a stroke of a pen
They said, “Let the Canadians in”
Sign on the line for a whole new plan
Grab every guitar
Start up the band
Shout out every woman and every man
That’s when Canada joined Newfoundland
When Canada joined Newfoundland
The map was redrawn by a hand
With a slight margin, a stroke of a pen
They said, “Let the Canadians in”
Sign on the line for a whole new plan
Grab every guitar
Start up the band
Shout out every woman and every man
That’s when Canada joined Newfoundland
[Bridge]
Alright
Oh yeah
Hey
Alright
Oh yeah
Hey
[Chorus]
When Canada joined Newfoundland
The map was redrawn by a hand
With a slight margin, a stroke of a pen
They said, “Let the Canadians in”
Sign on the line for a whole new plan
Grab every guitar
Start up the band
Shout out every woman and every man
That’s when Canada joined Newfoundland
When Canada joined Newfoundland
The map was redrawn by a hand
With a slight margin, a stroke of a pen
They said, “Let the Canadians in”
Sign on the line for a whole new plan
Grab every guitar
Start up the band
Shout out every woman and every man
That’s when Canada joined Newfoundland
[Outro]
Yeah
Yeah
Fans have praised the track for its catchy chorus and the way Adams turns a historical moment into a rallying rock anthem, noting that the song adds a fresh, upbeat layer to his extensive catalogue.
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