National Anthems

Little known fact…

Canada has one national anthem, “O Canada”. But O Canada has two different set of words.

The words of the English version are:

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.

The words in French are:

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.

Translated to English this means something like:

O Canada!
Land of our ancestors,
Your forehead is surrounded with glorious florets!
Because your arm can hold the sword,
He can carry the cross!
Your story is an epic
Most brilliant exploits.
And your value soaked faith,
Will protect our homes and our rights.
Will protect our homes and our rights.

(There is also a bilingual version that mixes the two.)