Lyrics by Ellis Pringle Craig.
WE ARE CANADIAN!
We came from the beginning, shrouded mists of time and space,
And in this vast and northern clime each found our sacred place.
We were the first to touch this earth, the people of the land,
We lit the flame and then became the first Canadians!
We came on ships across the sea, found others here before.
We pushed frontiers three hundred years, a new world to explore.
From sea to sea to Arctic sea, found how far we extend,
We blazed the trails and laid the rails – the next Canadians!
The maple leaf upon our flag, the poppies John McCrae,
The silver cup Lord Stanley and the chalice from Earl Grey.
Our Snowbirds soaring up the sky and Terry on the run.
As one we stand we built this land – we are Canadian!
Voyageurs in birch bark canoes who braved the wilderness.
Men of the Northwest Mounted marching out to tame the West.
The railroad running underground toward the northern sun,
We are the True North Strong and Free –we are Canadian!
We are Bishop in the air and to keep our country free,
Took the Ridge called Vimy, came ashore at Normandy.
Warriors shedding blood and tears, the ones who did not bend,
We line the Heroes Highway – we are Canadian!
We are our schooner Bluenose, the poppies John McCrae,
The silver cup Lord Stanley and the chalice from Earl Grey.
Our Snowbirds soaring up the sky and Terry on the run.
As one we stand we built this land – we are Canadian!
Roberta Bondar, Clara Hughes, Buffy Ste. Marie.
Viola Desmond on our Ten, Lucy Maud Montgomery.
The suffragettes who won their fight to vote beside the men.
Women standing proud and tall – we are Canadian!
We are the broken treaties and the promises not kept,
Stains upon our hist’ry, the tears still being wept.
We are also Gord Downie, who vowed to make amends,
When made aware we learn to care – we are Canadian!
Chris Hatfield’s vista sea to sea, the poppies John McCrae,
The silver cup Lord Stanley and the chalice from Earl Grey.
Our Snowbirds soaring up the sky and Terry on the run.
As one we stand we built this land – we are Canadian!
All now keepers of the flame, we share this mighty land,
With those from every place on Earth who now beside us stand.
We all live on this blessed soil that to death we will defend.
Diversified yet unified – we are Canadian!
We welcome those who seek our shores, the comers who are new.
Every one of us through time from elsewhere came like you.
And down the years the message grows your sons and daughters send:
As one we stand we built this land – we are Canadian!
As one we stand we built this land – we are Canadian!
As one we stand we LOVE this land – we are Canadian!