I Love You Canada // Somewhere In France

The song that, perhaps, best characterized a Canadian national identity is “I Love You, Canada,” composed by Morris Manley and Kenneth McInnis in 1915. The cover features a colourful map of Canada, establishing the song as a Canadian tune. This song was very successful, and was ideal for sing-alongs, as the melody is simple, within range for the average person to sing, while the lyrics are overtly patriotic. The song is written from the perspective of a soldier thinking about everything he loves about home, “I love your hills and valleys and your stately Maple tree, I love all your dear people tho’ far away I roam, When I hear them speak of Canada, I long for Home Sweet Home.” This verse highlights each of the aforementioned elements that contributed towards establishing a uniquely Canadian identity.

Museum of Canadian Music Musée de la Musique Canadienne Calgary Vinyl Music Museum Canada Museum of Recorded Sound Canada Music Museum Calgary Music Museum