‘The words should not be changed’: Altered lyrics sung during national anthem at council meeting

A London councillor is unhappy after a singer changed a lyric in our national anthem during a recent performance. CTV's Sean Irvine explains.

A post by a London city councillor has sparked debate over the lyrics to the national anthem.

Ward 4 Coun. Susan Stevenson wants a response after some anthem singers altered the lyrics during performances before council meetings.

“It’s clear. It’s black and white, that it shouldn’t be, the words should not be changed,” she told CTV News.

At a meeting on April 1, a singer said the words “Our home on native land,” instead of the lyrics “Our home and native land.”

Stevenson stated it is the third time the anthem has been changed over the past two years.

“Well, I mentioned it to the mayor and the city manager in October 2023 and again in October 2024, that the words of the national anthem are set out in legislation, and it needs to be in an official council ceremony,” explained Stevenson.

The mayor acknowledges there is a policy.

“The expectation has always been that the national anthem is sung with the official lyrics.” said Josh Morgan. “And, like any organization, and this happens worldwide, sometimes people take the opportunity to make adjustments to the national anthem.”

However, altered lyrics are not objectionable to Ward 12 Coun. Elizabeth Peloza.

“Some people sing in one language; some sing in both. Some don’t sing at all. It’s just instrumental,” she said.

Peloza added she is not opposed to lyrics being altered to “Our home on native land.”

“I would say that if you watch a council meeting, the first thing we do is read a traditional land acknowledgment recognizing the traditional native lands that we occupy. So, for me personally, I don’t have an issue,” said Peloza.

Morgan told CTV News he has asked the music office at city hall to ensure performers are reminded that the official lyrics are to be followed.

Still, Stevenson stated it can be challenging to control a live performance during a council meeting. She said she may suggest alternate anthem presentation methods.

“Do we interrupt the performance? Do we not award the certificate at the end? Or do we sadly give up the live performances and go to a recording?” questioned Stevenson.

A recording is frowned upon by Peloza, “I would hate to lose the spotlight because every time we have a council meeting, it’s an opportunity to highlight a local artist that’s doing something wonderful in the community and sharing their talents.”

CTV News reached out to the artist who performed the anthem, but we did not receive a response by publication time.