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O Canada (midi) 

O Canada (wav) 

O Canada (Real Audio)


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.
 

Official Lyrics of O Canada - English

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.

Official Lyrics of O Canada - French

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.

 
 

Extended Lyrics of O Canada - English

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.

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!
O Canada! We stand on guard for thee!

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!
O Canada! We stand on guard for thee!

Ruler Supreme, who hearest humble prayer,
Hold our Dominion in Thy loving care.
Help us to find, O God, in Thee
A lasting, rich reward,
As waiting for the Better Day
We ever stand on guard.
O Canada! We stand on guard for thee!
O Canada! We stand on guard for thee!

Extended Lyrics of O Canada - French

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.

Sous l'oeil de Dieu, près du fleuve géant,
Le Canadien grandit en espérant.
Il est né d'une race fièrce,
Beni fut son berceau.
Le ciel a marqué sa carrière
Dans ce monde nouveau.
Toujours guidé par sa lumière,
Il gardera l'honneur de son drappeau,
Il gardera l'honneur de son drapeau.

De son patron, précurseur du vrai Dieu,
Il porte au front l'auréole de feu.
Ennemi de la tyrannie
Main plein de loyauté,
Il veut garder dans l'harmonie
Sa fière liberté;
Et par l'effort de son genie,
Sur notre sol asseoir la vérité,
Sur notre sol asseoir la vérité.

Amour sacré du trône et de l'autel,
Remplis nos coeurs de ton souffle immortel!
Parmi les races étrangères,
Notre guide est la loi:
Sachons être un peuple de frères,
Sous le joug de la foi.
Et répétons, comme nos pères,
La cri vainqueur: "Pour le Christ et le roi,"
La cri vainqueur: "Pour le Christ et le roi,"

 

Sheet Music

   
Source: Department of Canadian Heritage
   
 


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