Comments on: Two Canadian National Anthems and a Revelation

By: Earnest Canuck

Earnest Canuck — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:08:56 +0000

“Terre de nos aieux…” Yeah, I think you’re about the last nerd to figure it out, Narvey. Shame on ya! I wd also note that the “translation” you’re looking at is a very dull and literal-minded one. Our “aieux”, for example, wd literally be our “old ones”; “ancestors” is probably a better equivalent.

I don’t see why any of this should faze a patriotic anglo, mind. The central meaning of our “different” (but equally singable!) anthems is identical: we have a history of the most brilliant exploits; we will protect our homes and our rights; we will stand on guard; we will wield the sword if we must; we’re glorious, and free.

By: The Happy Ottawan

The Happy Ottawan — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:37:39 +0000

Politically incorrect or not, the French version is by far the “manlier” of the two. Talk about getting the blood going. Now that’s a fighting anthem – the English one’s a little wimpy.

By: Lunacy

Lunacy — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:59:21 +0000

And as most of the Quebecers I know, know, in the French version “Canada” refers to Lower Canada, ie. Quebec, just the same as the “Canadiens” hockey team is a reference to Quebec, not Canada as we know it.

By: Nicola Timmerman

Nicola Timmerman — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:36:43 +0000

Well, actually I think there were a few rumblings about getting rid of the carrying the cross part. But so far it remains ‘politically incorrect’.

I preferred the English version before they dragged God into it. Anyway I always forget the new version, so there you go.

By: CMP

CMP — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:55:43 +0000

A colleague of mine trots this out as one of his regular wheezes on the various political agendas of our time. While the English lyrics have been meddled with over the years, the French remain unchanged. His conjecture is that no one wants to open that can of worms, so as not to stir up the separatists, thus the conspiracy of silence and taboo surrounding them. My counter-theory is that the Quebecers and francophones in general don’t give a crap about the lyrics to O Canada, and are happy to sing Gens des Pays or whatever it is they consider their real national song.

By they way, I prefer the second verse of O Canada, and think it really ought to be the one we sing.