The Maple Leaf Forever


In days of yore, from Britain's shore
Wolfe, the dauntless hero, came
And planted firm Britania's flag
On Canada's fair domain.
There may it wave, our boast and pride
And join in love together
The thistle, shamrock, rose entwine
The maple leaf forever.

The maple leaf, our emblem dear
The maple leaf forever
God save our King 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 ever more shall be
The maple leaf forever.

The maple leaf, our emblem dear
The maple leaf forever
God save our King and heaven bless
The maple leaf forever.

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're freedom's home
The maple leaf forever.

The maple leaf, our emblem dear
The maple leaf forever
God save our King and heaven bless
The maple leaf forever.

Midi sequenced by Barry Taylor

This song written in 1867 by Alexander Muir won a $50 second place prize in a patriotic song writing contest sponsored by the Caledonia Society of Montreal (which explains why any people other than the Scots, English or Irish aren't mentioned). The lyrics (which were revised after BC joined confederation in 1871) include Cape Race in Newfoundland, which did not become part of Canada until 1949.

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