O Canada

From Canadian Heritage:

"National Anthem: O Canada"

Official Lyrics of O Canada!

Lyrics O Canada (English version)

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.

Lyrics O Canada (French version)

« O 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. »

Lyrics O Canada (Bilingual version - non official)

O Canada! Our home and native land!

True patriot love in all thy sons command,

Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,
Il sait porter la croix!

Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits,

God keep our land glorious and free!

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

The History of the National Anthem

Summary

"O Canada" was proclaimed Canada's national anthem on July 1, 1980, 100 years after it was first sung on June 24, 1880. The music was composed by Calixa Lavallée, 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 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.

Music and lyrics

As 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 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.

Playing of anthems at events

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.

Etiquette during the playing of the national anthem

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.

Commercial use

"O Canada" and "God Save The Queen" are in the public domain and may be used without having to obtain permission from the Government.

^ I recently read an article that said that 69% of Canadian adults didn't know the words to their national anthem (in English or French.) I can't understand why they don't since even I learned the words (in English.) I do think however that it is wrong to have an English version and a French version. Canada is bilingual and so there should only be one national anthem and that is the bilingual version. South Africa using three languages in their national anthem and it sounds nice so I don't see why Canada can't do the same. To have an official English version, an official French version and then an unofficial bilingual version only keeps the English and French speaking communities further apart. Making the bilingual version the sole official anthem would help to bring the two communities together. ^

http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1359402373291/1359402467746