National pride
During the bar mitzvah today, the Canadian contingent got to light a candle, and they played O Canada. (Other songs: Macho Man, Pretty Woman.) My grandfather started singing, so we all joined in. But we only started singing halfway through, and so no one could quite remember one or two of the lines (I think the one about the True North strong and free, perhaps), so there was a bit of mumbling. Oh well. I do know the hockey version, but only the Quebec style.
September 18th, 2005 at 2:01 am
The hockey version is different from the regular one?
September 18th, 2005 at 8:58 am
Yes. The hockey version is half French, half English (which comes first depends where you are). When French is first, it switches at ‘God keep our land’ — I think it switches the same place in English too.
September 18th, 2005 at 12:04 pm
Goodness, I can feel smug. With two girls going to two different schools (one English, one French immersion) I have both complete versions memorized! But if it weren’t for that, the bilingual cut for games and public events would be my best bet.
September 18th, 2005 at 9:30 pm
I’m american, but I know all the words to the Canadian national anthem!!! I had to sing it a lot in college (and nope, didn’t go to school in Canada - or Canadonia as I call it to my Canadian friends — just to harass them since they are all so damned calm and nice :).
September 19th, 2005 at 10:15 am
I used to know both. Oh well. I feel duly abashed.
Shrinky, you sang it in college? I am intrigued. In any case, most people try to irritate by calling it Canadia (and Canadans).
September 19th, 2005 at 12:32 pm
But we like it when it’s called Candy-da in honour of its superior chocolate bars.