By Tyler Marr

Paddockwood man pens Stompin’ Tom inspired birthday song to Canada

Jul 9, 2017 | 6:03 PM

Shortly before Stompin’ Tom Connors died, he wrote a letter to his fans that called on them to “keep the maple leaf flying high” and to “be the patriot Canada needs now and in the future.”

And this call to arms can be seen in Elmer Lammedee. The Paddockwood man has played tribute to the Canadian music icon for nearly 40 years. He believes, if alive, Connors’ love of Canada would have led the folk legend to write a song about it on its 150 birthday.

“I thought, ‘Well if he can’t do it, then it is up to me,’” Lammedee said.

Aptly titled “Happy Birthday, Canada”, the song is a lyrical portrait of the country in the eyes of Lammedee.

Drawing on the melody and a few lines from Connors’ “Prince Edward Island, Happy Birthday”, Lammedee sat down and hashed out the piece. Despite admitting he is not a natural songwriter, Lammedee said the “words just seemed to come to me” adding it “seemed like I had some help.” He made note how during the writing process, he would go to sleep but periodically spring out of bed to scribble down a line so he could remember it in the morning.

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It contains references to the farmers of the Prairies, the veterans who fought for our freedoms, the countries open arms and mentions our iconic maple leaf flag, of which Lammedee is quite fond.

“We are proud as a country and we welcome,” he said. “Canada is a multicultural country. Everyone is here you know. I think it is a wonderful place.”

Lammedee cites Stompin’ Tom as an idol because of his values and belief in Canada. He sees Connors as a “true Canadian” and always appreciated the man’s ability to weave story and humour into his music.

“I think he was one heck of a songwriter,” Lammedee said. “ I like singing his stuff and it is good Canadian country folk music.”

For those who do hear his song, Lammedee hoped they would reflect on Canada and what it stands for as a nation.

“When you listen to the news, I think it’s about the best place to live right now unless you go up way north where there is nobody,” he laughed. “ I think we are very fortunate to be born and live here.”

tyler.marr@gmail.com

On Twitter: @JournoMarr