Lesson 2 of 4 · 4 min read
"O Canada" was proclaimed Canada's official national anthem in 1980, more than a century after it was first performed.
"O Canada" is sung and recognized across the country, from schools to sporting events to citizenship ceremonies.
"O Canada" was first performed in Quebec City in 1880, with music composed by Calixa Lavallée and French lyrics written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. English lyrics were added later.
Despite its early popularity, it took a full century for the song to become official: "O Canada" was proclaimed Canada's national anthem on July 1, 1980.
Prior to 1980, "God Save the Queen" (today "God Save the King") served as Canada's royal anthem and was widely treated as a national anthem as well. It remains Canada's royal anthem today, played on occasions honouring the monarchy. It opens:
God save our gracious Queen! (or King) / Long live our noble Queen! / God save The Queen! / Send her victorious, / Happy and glorious, / Long to reign over us, / God save The Queen!
"O Canada" itself opens with the familiar words:
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.
Key facts
"O Canada" was first performed in Quebec City in 1880, with music by Calixa Lavallée and French lyrics by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier.
"O Canada" was proclaimed Canada's official national anthem on July 1, 1980 — 100 years after it was first performed.
Before 1980, "God Save the Queen" (now "God Save the King") served as Canada's royal anthem and, for a time, its de facto national anthem.
Answer all 2 to mark this lesson done.
1. In what year was "O Canada" officially proclaimed the national anthem?
2. Where and when was "O Canada" first performed?
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