Canada’s national anthem is titled “O Canada,” officially adopted in both English and French in 1980.
The song was first performed in Quebec City on 24 June 1880, during celebrations connected with Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. The original French lyrics were written by Adolphe-Basile Routhier, and the music was composed by Calixa Lavallée.
Robert Stanley Weir wrote the English version most commonly used today in 1908. It is not a literal translation of the French text, and Canada’s official lyrics exist in both official languages. The English words were revised before Parliament formally adopted them.
The song became Canada’s official national anthem on 1 July 1980, Canada Day. “The Maple Leaf Forever” was an important earlier patriotic song, but it never became Canada’s official national anthem. “God Save the King” remains a royal anthem in Canada, serving a different ceremonial role.