Today, July 1, is Canada Day (or as it used to be known, Dominion Day). And as a Canadian living in America it is hard to maintain some Canadian-ness, especially so close to the 4th of July. And me here without a copy of Strange Brew to watch!
As many of you know, Canada’s national anthem is O Canada. But many of you might not know that previous to O Canada there was a song that was considered a national anthem. Written by Alexander Muir (1830–1906) in 1867, the year of Canada’s Confederation, The Maple Leaf Forever highlights historical moments in the early life of Canada including James Wolfe capturing Quebec in 1759 during the Seven Years War and the Battle of Queenston Heights and Battle of Lundy’s Lane during the War of 1812. So for your Canadian pleasure this day, here are the lyrics to The Maple Leaf Forever.
In days of yore, from Britain’s shore,
Wolfe, the dauntless hero, came
And planted firm Britannia’s flag
On Canada’s fair domain.
Here may it wave, our boast and pride
And, joined in love together,
The thistle, shamrock, rose entwine
The Maple Leaf forever!
Chorus:
The Maple Leaf, our emblem dear,
The Maple Leaf forever!
God save our Queen and Heaven bless
The Maple Leaf forever!
At Queenston Heights and Lundy’s Lane,
Our brave fathers, side by side,
For freedom, homes and loved ones dear,
Firmly stood and nobly died;
And those dear rights which they maintained,
We swear to yield them never!
Our watchword evermore shall be
“The Maple Leaf forever!”
Chorus
Our fair Dominion now extends
From Cape Race to Nootka Sound;
May peace forever be our lot,
And plenteous store abound:
And may those ties of love be ours
Which discord cannot sever,
And flourish green o’er freedom’s home
The Maple Leaf forever!
Chorus
On merry England’s far famed land
May kind heaven sweetly smile,
God bless old Scotland evermore
and Ireland’s Em’rald Isle!
And swell the song both loud and long
Till rocks and forest quiver!
God save our Queen and Heaven bless
The Maple Leaf forever!
Chorus
You can hear it sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir here.
Working out Salvation with Fear and Trembling 
Very nice. I’d forgotten the words. Happy Fourth of July.
Thanks mom. I always liked it better than O Canada. Much richer in history! Happy 4th to you too! Do you get Monday off (observed)? Hope so! Love you!