Canadian in Between
15 October 2005


Some Canadians are great - others are fun
Some Canadians are
brothers - sisters and a mum

Peoples of province and not state
Were “you” was a letter in the alphabet
and God created the winter - spring and sun
For even a Canadian was Rachel’s mom

A land populated in sign of relief
This maple of flavour to those
who prize the colours of red and white
Where wonder was a happening
and beauty was in contrast bright

From Vancouver Island to destinations unknown
Each step another to put right
Pacific to Atlantic and Hudson Bay in between

British Columbia - Alberta - Saskatchewan
Manitoba - Ontario - Quebec
Newfoundland - Atlantic Provinces
with the Yukon and Northwest Territories to account
Along with a heritage of ‘Oh Canada’
and ‘God Save the Queen’


On Canada Day, July 1, 1980, 'O Canada!' was proclaimed the National Anthem of Canada, 100 years after it's debut performance in 1880 for St. Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations. Composed by Calixa Lavallée, French lyrics were written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. Many English versions followed, but the current 'official' lyrics are based on a version written in 1908 by Mr. Justice Robert Stanley Weir.

The official English version, includes changes recommended by a Special Joint Committee on the Senate and House of Commons in 1968. When Composed in 1880 by Calixa Lavallée, a simple music teacher in Quebec, the history of ‘Oh Canada’ was one of obscurity and revival until 1968


© 1995-2008 Christopher W Herbert