# O Canada — National Anthem Words, History, and What the Test Asks
O Canada is one of the most recognisable national anthems in the world. It is also one of the most reliably tested topics on the Canadian citizenship test. Here is the full story — words, music, history, and what to know for test day.
The words (English — current version)
O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Note the 2018 change: the second line now reads "in all of us command" — previously "in all thy sons command."
The French version
Ô Canada! Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!
Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
The French lyrics are not a translation of the English — they are a separate poem with different imagery and meaning. Both are equally official.
History of O Canada
1880 — First performance
The music was composed by Calixa Lavallée and the original French lyrics by Adolphe-Basile Routhier. It was first performed on June 24, 1880 at a Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebration in Quebec City.
1908 — English lyrics
Robert Stanley Weir, a Montreal judge, wrote the English lyrics in 1908. His version became the standard English text, though minor edits were made over the years.
1980 — Official status
O Canada was widely sung for a century but had no legal status as the national anthem. On July 1, 1980 — the 100th anniversary — Parliament passed the National Anthem Act, making it official.
2018 — Gender-neutral amendment
Parliament changed "in all thy sons command" to "in all of us command" to make the English lyrics gender-neutral. The change was proposed by MP Mauril Bélanger. The French lyrics were not altered.
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God Save the King — Canada's royal anthem
Many countries with a monarchy have both a national anthem and a royal anthem. Canada's royal anthem is God Save the King (or Queen, depending on the reigning monarch). It is played:
- When the King is present
- When the Governor General arrives at official events
- At some military ceremonies
God Save the King is not the national anthem — O Canada is.
What the test asks
Common citizenship-test questions on the anthem:
- When did O Canada become the official national anthem? *(July 1, 1980)*
- Who composed the music? *(Calixa Lavallée)*
- Who wrote the original French lyrics? *(Adolphe-Basile Routhier)*
- What change was made to the English lyrics in 2018? *("in all of us command" replaced "in all thy sons command")*
- What is Canada's royal anthem? *(God Save the King)*
For more on Canadian symbols, see [The Canadian Flag — History and Meaning](/blog/canadian-flag-history-meaning) and [The Maple Leaf — Why It Represents Canada](/blog/maple-leaf-symbol-canada).
Practice the actual citizenship test
Try our [free practice test](/practice-test) — it includes anthem questions in the same format you will see on test day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1When was O Canada first performed?
June 24, 1880, at a Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebration in Quebec City. The music was composed by Calixa Lavallée and the original French lyrics by Adolphe-Basile Routhier.
2When did O Canada become the official national anthem?
July 1, 1980 — exactly 100 years after the first performance. Before that, it was widely sung but had no official status.
3What was changed in the lyrics in 2018?
The English lyrics were amended: 'in all thy sons command' was changed to 'in all of us command' to make the anthem gender-neutral. The French lyrics were not changed.
4Does Canada have a royal anthem too?
Yes. 'God Save the King' (or Queen) is Canada's royal anthem — played when the King, Governor General, or Lieutenant Governor is present. It is separate from the national anthem.
5Do I need to know the words for the citizenship test?
You should know the first verse of O Canada. While you may not be asked to recite it, questions about the anthem's history (composer, year, key facts) are common.
6Is the anthem on the citizenship test?
Yes. Common questions: when did O Canada become the national anthem (1980), who composed the music (Calixa Lavallée), and what change was made in 2018 (gender-neutral lyrics).