Elbows Up! by Justin Latam
The meaning of the phrase “Elbows up” is to defend yourself and get ready for a fight. The saying is associated with Saskatchewan-born Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, who was known as “Mr. Hockey”. He was regarded for his kindness and humility off-ice. He also earned the nickname “Mr. Elbows” for his reputation on-ice.
The saying became a rallying cry for Canadians in early 2025. Canadian actor Mike Myers, clad in a “Canada Is Not For Sale” shirt on Saturday Night Live, raised his elbow and mouthed “elbows up” at the end of the show. It was a symbol of hope and defiance that has united Canadians. As a nation, Canada has found a renewed sense of national pride as we face tariffs and threats of annexation from The Trump administration south of the border.
The gloves are off. Elbows Up Canada!
Tracklist
| 1. | Elbows Up! | 3:17 |
Lyrics
Oh Canada, Oh Canada
True North Strong and Free
Take off and leave us be
Oh Canada, Oh Canada
When the goin’ gets tough
C’mon, elbows up…
The threat of annexation brought together our mosaic nation
We proudly fly the maple leaf and stand up for our sovereignty
In the stormy weather, us canucks, we flock together
One, two, three…sing along with me
Oh Canada, Oh Canada
True North Strong and Free
Take off and leave us be
Oh Canada, Oh Canada
When the goin’ gets tough
C’mon, elbows up
Elbows Up! Elbows Up!
All those cries of Fifty-One, well we’ve had enough of it, we’re done
We proudly bleed the red and white, no we won’t back down from this fight
In this stormy weather, us canucks, we flock together
Coast to coast to coast…you know how it goes
Oh Canada, Oh Canada
True North Strong and Free
Take off and leave us be
Oh Canada, Oh Canada
When the goin’ gets tough
C’mon, elbows up
Elbows Up! Elbows Up!
Canada is not for sale!
Oh Canada, Oh Canada
True North Strong and Free
Take off and leave us be
Oh Canada, Oh Canada
When the goin’ gets tough
C’mon, elbows up
Elbows Up! Elbows Up!
Credits
Words and Music by Justin Latam.
Written on March 7th, 2025.
Recorded on March 20th at Sound Foundry Studios (Kingsville, ON) by Brett Humber.
Produced by Brett Humber.
This song was funded by #Empties4Recording...thanks to all my supporters!
License
All rights reserved.Tags
Born and raised in Leamington, ON- Justin Latam (known locally as the “barefoot musician”) has been paying his dues for the last 15 years. In 2015, he left his day job (and shoes) behind to follow a path as working singer-songwriter. . Since then, the barefoot musician’s been juggling music and family, playing 100+ shows/year.