The Maple Leaf Forever - Alexander Muir - Dominion Reed Organ

Today, the country that I live in is celebrating its 150th anniversary since we formed as an independent country. For many years, this anthem served as the unofficial Canadian national anthem, but due to the references to England not all were convinced that it was suitable as an official national anthem.

However, in the first verse it speaks of unity of all (The lily, thistle, shamrock, rose entwine - France, Scotland, Ireland, England) even though the blood was barely dry on the battle fields from the Fenian Raids of 1866.

Performed on an Canadian made "Dominion" reed organ, made in Bowmanville Ontario in 1910.

Happy Birthday Canada!

All lyrics:

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, our pride
And, joined in love together,
The lily, 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!

Chorus