Today is a big day in Canada. With the Olympics in Vancouver concluded and with a Gold Medal in the Men's Hockey (and also the Women's), Canada as a whole must be feeling on top of the world. The grass may not look greener today in all of Canada, but the snow probably looks whiter, the maple dipped donuts sweeter (mmmm…. Tim Hortons), and the poutine more delicious than ever! I congratulate Canada on their success in the games and especially in the Men's Hockey game yesterday, where I rooted for Canada. Some may mark me a traitor, but I know how much it meant to you Canada, and I want you to be happy so when I come to visit you, you are still your delightful self.

(USA, buck up. You still brought home the silver in the Hockey and you made the Canadians fight to the bitter end for that Gold. Generally not known for fighting, Canadians will fight for their hockey! Also with 37 medals the USA is the most decorated country in a Winter Olympics ever. Let's not forget that my stereotypically lazy and yet over achieving in athletics countrymen.)

In honor of Canada, I present the national anthem of Canada, "O Canada", music written by Calixa Lavallée in 1880. It has been a staple in the "soundtrack" of these Olympics. Though I am not Canadian, I often think it would be fun to be one. Because I am not Canadian, and with Russia hosting the next winter Olympics in 2014 in Sochi, I decided the rendition of Canada's anthem by non-Canadians, and by the Alexandrov Ensemble Choir of Russia specifically, would be appropriate. It would be nice to think we are are all feeling a little Canadian today!

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Ô Canada!
Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!
Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

Song Recommendations

If you like this song, I also suggest the music genre:

• Choral

Click here for more info on Calixa Lavallée – "O Canada".

The MP3 of the commemorative version presented in these Olympics, "O Canada (With Glowing Hearts)", may be purchased here…

O Canada (With Glowing Hearts)