O Canada
O Canada is the national anthem of Canada.
O Canada is the national anthem of Canada. Its music was composed by Calixa Lavallée, with original French lyrics by Adolphe-Basile Routhier. The English lyrics commonly used today are based on a 1908 version by Robert Stanley Weir, and it was proclaimed Canada's national anthem in 1980.
History
O Canada originated as a French-Canadian patriotic song first performed in 1880. It became the national anthem of Canada on 1 July 1980.
Lyrics and language
The anthem exists in English, French, bilingual, instrumental, and sign-language versions. The English lyrics used officially are based on Robert Stanley Weir’s 1908 text, while the original French lyrics were written by Adolphe-Basile Routhier.
Official status
Canadian Heritage states that O Canada should be played first at events when it appears alongside another anthem, and last when anthems are played at the end of an event.
2018 lyric change
Legislation passed in 2018 changed the English line “True patriot love in all thy sons command” to the gender-neutral “True patriot love in all of us command.”
Key facts
- The anthem was first sung in 1880 and proclaimed Canada’s national anthem in 1980.
- The music was composed by Calixa Lavallée.
- The original French lyrics were written by Adolphe-Basile Routhier.
- In 2018, the line “in all thy sons command” was changed to “in all of us command.”
- Canada’s royal anthem remains “God Save the King.”
It is the national anthem of Canada and one of the country’s most widely recognized official symbols.
Frequently asked questions
When did O Canada become Canada’s national anthem?
Who composed O Canada?
Who wrote the original French lyrics?
Who wrote the English lyrics used today?
What lyric was changed in 2018?
Is O Canada the same as Canada’s royal anthem?
References
- Government of Canada — https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/anthem-canada.htmlSupports: Official status, authorship, 2018 lyric change, performance guidance
- Government of Canada — https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/celebrate/pdf/national_anthem_e.pdfSupports: Official English and bilingual lyrics
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/O-CanadaSupports: History, composers, lyric authors, proclamation date, royal anthem distinction