Canadian Brass is a brass quintet founded by Charles Daellenbach, Stuart La… Read Full Bio ↴Canadian Brass is a brass quintet founded by Charles Daellenbach, Stuart Laughton, and Gene Watts in 1970. In addition to maintaining a heavy touring schedule, the Canadian Brass have recorded nearly seventy albums. They have commissioned, performed, and recorded hundreds of transcriptions and original works for brass quintet. They are best known for their ability to seamlessly cross between classical and jazz styles. They are also known for their unique performance attire, consisting of black suits coupled with white gym shoes.

The current members are: Charles "Chuck" Daellenbach (tuba), Eugene "Gene" Watts (trombone), Bernhard Scully (horn), and the "Trumpet Dream Team" to fill the two trumpet positions on rotating basis. Dream Team members are: Ryan Anthony, Brandon Ridenour, Jeroen Berwaerts, along with previous members Josef Burgstaller, Ronald Romm and Stuart Laughton.

Past members include: Stuart Laughton (1970–1971, 2003–2005), Josef Burgstaller (2001–present), Jeff Nelsen (2000–2004), Ryan Anthony (2000–2003), Frederick Mills (1972–1996), Ronald Romm (1971–2000), David Ohanian (1986–1998), Martin Hackleman (1983–1986), Jens Lindemann (1996–2001), Christopher Cooper (1998–2000) and Graeme Page (1970–1983).

America
Canadian Brass Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Some have said, down through history
If you last it's a mystery
But I guess they don't know, what they're talking about
From the mountains down to the sea
You've become such a habit with me
America, America

Well I come from, down around Tennessee

But the people in California
Are nice to me, America
It don't matter where I may roam
Tell you people that it's home sweet home
America, America

And my brothers are all black and white, yellow too
And the red man is right, to expect a little from you
Promise and then follow through, America

And the men who fell on the plains
And lived, through hardship and pain
America, America
And the men who could not fight
In a war that didn't seem right
You let them come home, America

And my brothers are all black and white, yellow too
And the red man is right, to expect a little from you
Promise and then follow through, America

Well I come from, down around Tennessee
But the people in California
Are nice to me, America
It don't matter where I may roam

And my brothers are all black and white, yellow too
And the red man is right, to expect a little from you
Promise and then follow through,
America

Tell you people that it's home sweet home
America, America
America, America

And my brothers are all black and white, yellow too
And the red man is right, to expect a little from you
Promise and then follow through, America

It's home sweet home, America
America, America

Overall Meaning

Canadian Brass's song America is a powerful tribute to the United States of America. The song is about the love and loyalty one feels towards the country, no matter where they come from or what their background is. The first verse talks about how some people think that it's impossible to endure the test of time, but the singer disagrees because America has become a habit that they can't break. From the mountains down to the sea, the love for America runs deep. The chorus of the song is a beautiful repetition of the word "America" and emphasizes the deep affection that the singer has for the country.

In the second verse, the singer talks about their origins, which lie in Tennessee, but they feel welcome in California too. The beauty of America is that it does not matter where you come from, the country welcomes one and all with open arms. Furthermore, the singer talks about how their brothers come in all colors; black, white, yellow, and even red, referring to the Native Americans. The singer acknowledges that the red man has a right to expect a little from America, emphasizing the commitment that the country has towards its own people. The song also acknowledges the sacrifice of soldiers who fought on the plains and those who could not fight in a war that did not seem right. The chorus is repeated again, with a slightly different arrangement to drive home the message that America is and will always be home sweet home.

Line by Line Meaning

Some have said, down through history
Throughout history, some people have made the claim

If you last it's a mystery
They've suggested that if America endures, it will be a miracle

But I guess they don't know, what they're talking about
However, they don't really understand the strength of the American people

From the mountains down to the sea
Whether it's the highest peaks or the lowest valleys, America is all-encompassing

You've become such a habit with me
America feels like home to the singer and has become routine in their life

America, America
The repeated chorus emphasizes the pride and love for the country

Well I come from, down around Tennessee
The singer is originally from Tennessee

But the people in California
However, even in a different state like California

Are nice to me, America
They feel welcomed and loved by fellow Americans

It don't matter where I may roam
Regardless of where they go, America is always home

And my brothers are all black and white, yellow too
The singer's family consists of people of all different races

And the red man is right, to expect a little from you
The Native Americans have been mistreated and deserve to be treated better

Promise and then follow through, America
To fix these wrongs, America must make and keep its promises

And the men who fell on the plains
The soldiers who died in battle, particularly during the expansion of the West

And lived, through hardship and pain
Despite the challenges and difficulties they faced, these brave men survived

And the men who could not fight
Those who were unable or unwilling to participate in wars

In a war that didn't seem right
Especially in cases where the conflict was controversial or unjust

You let them come home, America
America took care of its returning soldiers, regardless of their circumstances

Tell you people that it's home sweet home
The chorus reminds everyone that America is truly home, no matter what

And my brothers are all black and white, yellow too
Another reminder of the singer's diverse family

It's home sweet home, America
The final line cements the idea that America is a beloved and cherished home

America, America
Final repetition of the chorus for emphasis

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Comments from YouTube:

Debbie Wolfe

2y↑10

This made my day! My 8yo daughter heard it and started dancing, and it also reminded me of my elementary music teacher (a trombone player) who first introduced me to this song. Thank you!

Derry Pope

2y↑2

Oh my this is fabulous. I love the glissando on the trombone.

Chris Morris

2y↑1

Utterly brilliant!!

shoshanna fachima

That was simpky fabulous,bravo🎵😊🎶

Lincoln Pierce

2y↑4

Maybe Canadian Brass should invest in some Bluetooth pedal page turners?? 😉 On another “note” this is incredible and you guys are a huge inspiration!!