Canada's National Songs

The song "O Canada" is a recognizable song with a somewhat interesting history. For a long time there were many songs vying for the title of National Anthem of Canada. "O Canada" was originally written in French and for a long time found competition in "God Save the Queen" and "The Maple Leaf Forever". In 1908 an English translation (however not a literal one) was written and finally accepted as the one in the 1960s. Since then there have been multiple modifications proposed for the English version, such as these two:

"our home and native land" to "our home and cherished land"
"in all thy sons command" to "in all of us command"

Not only does the song have official lyrics in Canada's two official languages, but it also has a set version in Inuktitut, one of the First Nations' languages.

You now know the history of "O Canada". But I recently read an essay in The Walrus (think the Canadian version of The New Yorker) that proposed a different song for Canada's national anthem. This was definitely not the first time it has been mentioned in the same phrase as "Canada's national anthem." And I must admit I have heard more about this proposed song since living in Canada than any other song. It was even played in the Closing Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics! What song is so popular?

The old Hockey Night in Canada song! You may not recognize it, but this song (titled "Hockey Theme") is not only recognized but can probably be hummed by most Canadians. It was a BIG DEAL when the song for HNIC was changed in 2008. People still talk about how disastrous a change it was.

So, in order to teach you all more about Canada and its culture, here is...drumroll please...the Hockey Night in Canada theme song: