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Or sign-in if you have an account.Bryan Adams has dropped a protest song for Canada Day, declaring: “We'll never be the 51st state.” Photo by ScreenshotCanadian rock star Bryan Adams, best known for his wildly successful party-rock anthems and love ballads, has dropped a protest song for Canada Day, declaring: “We’ll never be the 51st state.”Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorThe song, clocking in at a tight 2:16, was released on streaming platforms Wednesday. It celebrates the shared history and friendship of Canada and the U.S., but vows he’ll fight for his country if need be.“Maybe you’ve forgotten; Maybe you just don’t care; But we always stood beside you; For that liberty we share,” Adams sings in the song, 51st State.”Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again“You can push us to the brink; But where the open road divides; You’ll find a wall of maple; With us on the other side.”It doesn’t mention Donald Trump or his various musings about Canada becoming the 51st state.But is likely the only rock’n’roll song ever written referencing 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.”Adams previewed the song on Tuesday, with a black-and-white video on social media in which he carries a mug in a concert hall, wears a shirt made of two different flannel patterns and speaks directly to the camera.In it, he declares: “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.”In the song, Adams extends a hand of friendship, but one with limits.“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 continues: “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.”“So let me give you some advice mister; You might have too much on your plate; You’re welcome cross the border; But we’ll never be the 51st State.”Bryan Adams51st State - Limited Red/White 7" VinylBryan Adams marks Canada Day with the release of '51st State’, a powerful new rock anthem celebrating Canadian pride and identity, released on an exclusive limited edition, coloured vinyl 7” single.Driven by Adams' signature… pic.twitter.com/rClqKg8Upl— Mitch Lafon (@mitchlafon) July 1, 2026Adams, 66, was born in Kingston and grew up in Ottawa and later Vancouver. He became a recording artist at 15, and by the mid-80s was one of the biggest rock stars in the world. He has been honoured for his robust charity and humanitarian work, including in 2010 with the Allan Water Humanitarian Award, but built a career largely on party anthems and songs of love.He has never been shy about speaking out, however. Last year, he repeated his call for an end to CanCon rules that demand Canadian radio stations play a minimum number of Canadian songs every day. The Canadian Press reported he called the rules “really stupid,” and suggested they propped up mediocre music.Adams credited an American disk jockey for giving a boost to his breakout song, “Lonely Nights.” His massive 1991 hit “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You,” did not qualify for CanCon rules because he had collaborated with a number of non-Canadians. “People listen to music, they don’t consider nationality,” Adams said, according to the CP report.The full lyrics:Never thought I’d see the day Never thought I’d see the plan Where everything could get harder For the working manYeah, we’re better off together We’ll be better hand in hand But the 49th parallel Has become a line drawn in the sandLet 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 ownSo 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 StateMaybe you’ve forgotten Maybe you just don’t care But we always stood beside you For that liberty we share You can push us to the brink But where the open road divides You’ll find a wall of maple With us on the other sideSo 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 ownSo let me give you some advice mister You might have too much on your plate You’re welcome cross the border But we’ll never be the 51st StateOur website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. 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