The Official Lyrics to Canada's National Anthem
"O Canada"
O Canada !
Our home and native land !
True Patriot love in all they sons command.
With glowing hearts we see the rise,
Our 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.
OCanada, we stand on guard for thee.
THE HISTORY OF OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM SUMMARIZED
" O Canada" was proclaimed Canada's national anthem on July1,1980, 100 years after it was first sung on June24,1880. The music was composed by Calixa Lavallee, a well known composer; French lyrics to accompany the music were written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier.
The song gained steadily in poularity. Many English versions have appeared over the years. The version on which the official English lyrics are based was written in 1908 by Mr. Justice Robert Stanley Weir.
The official English version includes changes recommended in 1968 by a
Special Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Commons.
The French lyrics remain unaltered.
French Version of the Nation Anthem
O Canada ! Terre de nos aieux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux !
Car ton bras sait porter l'epee,
Il sait porter las croix !
Ton histoire est une epopee
Des plus billants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempee,
Protegera nos foyers et nos droits,
Protegera nos foyers et nos droits.
Engllish Translation of the French Version of the National Anthem
O Canada ! Land of our forefathers
Thy brow is wreathed with a glorious garla of flowers.
As in thy arm ready to wield the sword,
So also it is ready to carry the cross.
The history is an epic of the most brilliant exploits.
Thy Valour steeped in faith
Will protect our homes and our rights
Will protect our homes and our rights.
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