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| OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM |
| English Lyrics |
| French Lyrics |
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| 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. (repeat) O Canada! Where pines and maples grow, Great prairies spread And lordly rivers flow, How dear to us thy broad domain, From East to Western Sea, Thou land of hope, for all who toil! Thou True North strong and free! God keep our land Glorious and free! O Canada! We stand on guard for thee! (repeat) O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies May stalwart sons And gentle maidens rise, To keep thee steadfast through the years From East to Western Sea, Our own beloved native land! Our True North strong and free! God keep our land, Glorious and free! O Canada! We stand on guard for thee! (repeat) |
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| � Canada! Terre de nos a�eux, Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux! Car ton bras sait porter l'�p�e, Il sait porter la croix! Ton histoire est une �pop�e Des plus brillants exploits. Et ta valeur, de foi tremp�e, Prot�gera nos foyers et nos droits, Prot�gera nos foyers et nos droits. (repeat) � Canada! Sous l'oeil de Dieu Pr�s du fleuve g�ant Le canadien Grandit en esp�rant Il est ne� d'une race fi�re B�ni fut son berceau Le ciel a marqu� sa carri�re dans ce monde nouveau. Toujours guid� par sa lumi�re Il gardera l'honneur de son drapeau Il gardera l'honneur de son drapeau (repeat) |
| The History of 'O Canada' |
| 'O Canada' was proclaimed Canada's national anthem on July 1, 1980, a century after it was first sung on June 24, 1880. The music was composed by Calixa Lavall�e, a well-known composer; French lyrics to accompany the music were written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. The song gained steadily in popularity. Many English versions have appeared over the years. The version on which the official English lyrics are based was written in 1908 by 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 unchanged. |
| Anthem and Lyrics |
| Since the National Anthem Act only sets the melody for the anthem, musicians are free to arrange the score to suit their requirements. There is no copyright on the melody and the words of the national anthem, the National Anthem Act having declared them to be in the public domain. It is possible, however, to copyright the arrangements made to the melody. It is possible to translate the words of the national anthem in languages other than English or French; it should be kept in mind, however, that this translated version will not have an official status. |
| There is no specific rule as to when it is appropriate to sing the national anthem at an event. It is up to the organizers to determine if "O Canada" will be sung at the beginning or at the end of a ceremony. If two anthems are to be played at the beginning of an event, "O Canada" should be played first followed by the other one. When anthems are played at the end of an event, "O Canada" should be played last. |
| Playing of Anthem at Events |
| As a matter of respect and tradition, it is proper to stand for the playing of "O Canada" as well as for the anthem of any other nation. It is traditional for civilian men to take off their hats during the playing of the national anthem. Women as well as children do not remove their hats on such occasions. There is no law or behaviour governing the playing of the national anthem; it is left to the good citizenship of individuals. |
| Etiquette During Anthem |