Canadian National Anthem
The Flag of Canada
The Canadian National Anthem is O Canada. The music was commissioned by Lieutenant Governor of Quebec Theodore Robitaille for the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day ceremony.
It was composed by Calixa Lavallee and the lyrics in French were written by Adolphe-Basile Routhier. In 1908 an English version was written by Robert Stanley Weir.
It wasn't until 1980 that O Canada became the official anthem of Canada.
When the National Anthem is performed it is frequently sung in both English and French to symbolize the two languages most commonly spoken in Canada.
God Save the Queen and The Maple Leaf Forever have been unofficial anthems of Canada since 1867. God Save the Queen is still considered the Royal Anthem of Canada.
Calixa Lavallee
In 1908 a competition was held by Collier's Weekly for the best English lyrics for O Canada.
Mercy E. Powell McCulloch won but her version never became as popular as the version written by Robert Stanley Weir which is now the official version.
The Official English Lyrics
O Canada
By Robert Stanley Weir and Calixa Lavalle
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
The Official French Lyrics
O Canada
By Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier and Calixa Lavalle
Ô Canada!
Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!
Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
Did You Know...
- When the national anthem is performed it is frequently performed in both English and French with the first and last three lines in English.
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