PARODY-LYRICS

As pointed out in the blog "City in the Trees", the version we sang long ago in school evoked a Canada that extended from Cape Race in the east to the Pacific. In fact, at the time Muir created the song, Newfoundland and British Columbia were separate colonies, and the new country had only 4 provinces.
Research into the song's historic underpinnings, as portrayed here, as well as personal experience, evolved into the nostalgic piece "Canadian School Reunion" - see my prior post highlighting this parody-song.
![]() |
"Maple Cottage" Leslieville, (now part of Toronto) Muir's residence |
![]() |
1867: A fragile line |
He honored shamrock, thistle, rose, tall trees, and roots with
No copyright, no fleur-de-lys; of insight only traces -
On days of pomp, when bands would romp from Lakes to FroBay and Sea to Sea,
![]() |
Robert Stanley Weir lyricist |
![]() |
Calixa Lavallee composer |
St-Jean-Baptiste in Canada East resounded with LavallĂ©e’s score;
R.Weir took on the daunting task - Theme O-Canada's breadth restore.
The over-zealed paroles part-spared, the English not so prominent,
But decades passed and "O Canada" did Muir's time-worn chant supplant.
In time for our Centennial, new flag and hymn to savour,
Still stuck with macho lyrics and a pinch of maple flavour !