With the heart of classic Americana and the soul of a protest song, “America”, the latest single from Ottawa-based HemlockHotel following “Running Out Of Road,” is an unflinching look at history, inheritance, and the longing for something better. Originally released during the 2020 U.S. presidential election, “America” has only grown more relevant in today’s turbulent times. Re-released in 2025, this evocative track is both a lament and a rallying cry—a song for those who refuse to let hope slip through their fingers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68VvqeGDCvM&feature=youtu.be

Being young often means dealing with emotions you don’t fully understand; it’s only with age that real perspective and true maturity can be gained. Ottawa-based HemlockHotel captures that conundrum with their melodic, smooth-rockin’ Americana anthem “Angry Young Man” – check out the YouTube here:

A warm blend of rich, full-bodied acoustic guitar, wailing electric guitar, and easy beats, “Angry Young Man” tells the first-person narrative about a confused young man in conflict with the people he loves, even though he knows it isn’t deserved.

Well, I am a soldier
Without a cause
Well, I keep on fightin’
The people I love
Come on dear Jesus
I’m not a saint

Ottawa, ON-based folk-rock Americana band HemlockHotel are singing of “America” in this, their new single.

Watch and listen to “America” here:

Arriving on the precipice of the trio’s forthcoming self-titled album set for release this October, “America” is about growing up and wondering if you’re bound to repeat the life of your ancestors.

“Some critics wondered why a Canadian band wrote a song that focused on the USA and there are a few reasons,” band member Rod Leggett offers. “Though I was listening to a bunch of protest music, the muse did visit so I listened before she escaped.

“A lot of us want to see political change, but how do you go about that when you no longer have role models? There’s a line in the song about ‘what can be done, of fathers and sons?’; the boy in the song wants a better world, and a country that can stand on its feet, but he’s clearly unsure of himself and what to do.