Canadian rock icon Bryan Adams said his latest album was never intended to be a political statement, even as several of its songs take aim at U.S. President Donald Trump and the growing tensions between Canada and the United States. The singer-songwriter’s new album, “How’s It Goin’,” is a musical tribute to Canada, exploring the country’s history, identity and relationship with its southern neighbour. Among its most talked-about tracks is “Lake Ontario,” in which Adams criticizes Trump’s decision to rename the Great Lake Lake America. In an interview with CTV National News anchor Sandie Rinaldo on Monday, Adams said the album developed organically, beginning with a song he was asked to write for a documentary about Eastern Canada. ‘I’m just following my heart’ Adams said his interest in writing about Canada grew as he began exploring subjects that were making headlines. “You know, I’m just writing about what I see and what I hear,” he said. He recalled writing “51st State” after the idea of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state was receiving considerable attention in the news. “And then, the ball started to roll, and I started writing songs about things that I’ve been interested in, and things about Canada,” he said. Although tracks such as “51st State” and “Lake Ontario” address politically sensitive issues, Adams said he was not deliberately setting out to make a political statement. “Honestly, ... it’s nothing more than just was on my mind, and I wrote it down. I liked it. I recorded it, and I put it out,” he said. Adams takes aim at Trump’s Lake Ontario decision The song “Lake Ontario” directly addresses Trump’s executive order to rename the lake Lake America, a decision that Canadian officials have not recognized. In the track, Adams takes aim at the U.S. president’s motivations, suggesting the move was a distraction from other developments in American politics. The controversy followed a war of words between Trump and Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Prime Minister Mark Carney has also pushed back against the name change, pointing out that Lake Ontario’s name predates both Canada and the United States. For Adams, the broader tensions between the two countries are a concern, although he believes Canada’s current leadership is well positioned to respond. “I think that we’ve got a good prime minister right now who’s able to stand up to the bullying,” he said, referring to Carney. Adams added that he does not align himself with a particular political ideology. “I don’t take a stance politically left, right, or centre, but I always go for the man, and I think he’s the right guy for the job.” ‘Diplomacy first’ Asked about Trump’s approach to international relations, Adams questioned why a world leader with considerable influence would not use that power to improve people’s lives. “Anybody that has that much power, and has the ability to do so much good, they should be doing it,” he said. He also expressed frustration with military action involving other countries, including Iran, arguing that diplomacy should take precedence. Adams said his father’s diplomatic background, as well as his earlier work as a peacekeeper, helped shape the way he views international affairs. “You should be a diplomat. That’s what I was brought up with my father was a diplomat. So, you know, diplomacy first.” Songs explore Canada’s history Beyond the political commentary, Adams hopes listeners will come away with a greater appreciation of the historical events and subjects that have shaped Canada. He added researching and writing the songs was an educational experience for him as well. “The stories were interesting to write because even I learned a few things along the way,” he said. Adams is currently in Spain as part of his tour in Europe.
