We are not strong on national anthems. Once finished primary school, the lyrics drift off from the minds of most Canadians. We recently updated them to be "more gender inclusive" or less discriminatory.
O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all of us 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.
Would you like to learn Verse 2?
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.
Now on to Verse 3:
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.
And finally, let's finish with Verse 4:
Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer, Hold our dominion within 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. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
As long as there's the True north strong and free, we're ok with fixing the first verse and ignoring the rest. That was enough work.
So let's stick with that and if you fell strongly today, sing the first verse a few times.
