Mr. Muir wrote this patriotic song in 1867, the year of Canada's
Confederation. It served as the unofficial Canadian anthem for
many years before O Canada became the
official anthem.
A version with alternate lyrics was written by Vladimir Radian
in 1997 and was sung most recently at the 2010
Vancouver Winter Olympics by Michael Buble.
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!
