The New York Times/1873/07/27/A National Song for Canada

For other versions of this work, see This Canada of Ours.

A NATIONAL SONG FOR CANADA

The Toronto Globe thinks Canada needs some simple patriotic lyric to identify with her progress and aspirations, and that in the new and improved version of the song, "This Canada of Ours," this want is supplied. It says: "The words are by Mr. J. D. Edgar, M. P., and the music is adapted and arranged by Miss E. H. Ridout, based upon the beautiful air of the famous Netherlands Students' song. The words carried off the prize offered in Montreal, in 1868, for the best Canadian national song, and possess both the vigor and simplicity that are essential to permanent popularity. The air, too, is inspiriting and simple, and in the chorus swells into a strain of heart-stirring music." This is the song:

Let other tongues in older lands,
Loud vaunt their claims to glory,
And chaunt in triumph of the past,
Content to live in story:
Tho' boasting no baronial halls,
Nor ivy-crested towers,
What past can match thy glorious youth,
Fair Canada of Ours?
Fair Canada, Dear Canada,
This Canada of Ours!

We love those far-off Ocean Isles,
Where Britain's monarch reigns.
We'll ne'er forget the good old blood
That courses through our veins:
Proud Scotia's fame, old Erin's name,
And haughty Albion's powers,
Reflect their matchless luster on
This Canada of ours.
Fair Canada, Dear Canada,
This Canada of Ours.

May our Dominion flourish then,
A goodly land and free,
Where Celt and Saxon, hand in hand,
Hold sway from Sea to Sea;
Strong arms shall guard our cherished home,
When darkest danger lowers,
And with our life-blood we'll defend
This Canada of ours!
Fair Canada, Dear Canada,
This Canada of Ours!