O Canada

Canada’s national anthem, written in French by Adolphe-Basile Routhier with music by Calixa Lavallée and first performed in 1880.

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Calixa Lavallée: A French-Canadian composer who wrote the music for O Canada. He composed the anthem’s melody for its first performance in 1880.
National anthem: A song officially recognized as representing a country or nation. O Canada is Canada’s national anthem, a civic role shared by songs worldwide.
National Anthem of Canada in French: The French-language version of O Canada, whose lyrics were written by Adolphe-Basile Routhier. This version preserves the language and wording of the anthem’s original composition.
God Save the King: The national anthem of the United Kingdom and a royal anthem used in several Commonwealth countries. Canada’s national anthem is O Canada; God Save the King retains a distinct royal-anthem role.
Adolphe-Basile Routhier: A Quebec judge and poet who wrote the original French lyrics of O Canada. His poem supplied the words for the anthem’s 1880 premiere.
French language: A Romance language originating in France and spoken on several continents. Routhier wrote the original lyrics in French for a French-Canadian celebration.
National Anthem of Canada in English: The English-language version of O Canada, based largely on Robert Stanley Weir’s 1908 lyrics. This version is widely sung at ceremonies and sporting events across Canada.
The Star-Spangled Banner: The national anthem of the United States, with lyrics by Francis Scott Key. Its U.S. national role contrasts with O Canada’s representation of a neighboring country.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day: A June 24 celebration of French Canadian culture and identity, later recognized as Quebec’s national holiday. O Canada was commissioned for the 1880 Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations.
English language: A West Germanic language that developed in England and is now used worldwide. The anthem’s widely known English lyrics were written decades after its French original.