The signing of the national anthems prior to the MLB All-Star Game sparked some controversy when musical group The Tenors changed the lyrics to “O Canada” to include a line of support for “All Lives Matter.”
The Tenors change lyrics for ‘O Canada’ to support ‘All Lives Matter’ at MLB All-Star Game
Correction: The Tenors altered O Canada lyrics in support of All Lives Matter. pic.twitter.com/Q0i6qqLB4Y
— Bill Cooney (@BillCooney) July 13, 2016
The group -- originally from Vancouver, Canada -- started singing the traditional anthem, before altering the lyrics. Instead of signing the original lyric of “With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free!” the group sang “We’re all brothers and sisters, All lives matter to the great” before eventually getting back to the actual lyrics.
One member of the group also held up an “All Lives Matter” sign during the performance.
Member of the Tenors, singing the Canadian anthem here, just held "All Lives Matter" card up during the song: pic.twitter.com/4YGlbYYr5o
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) July 13, 2016
The lyric change drew an overwhelmingly negative response, with many condemning the group for altering the words to a national anthem.
Why The Tenors chose to re-write the Canadian national anthem is beyond me. I'm speechless. #ASG
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) July 13, 2016
What a remarkably stupid thing to do: The Tenors changed the words of O Canada, their national anthem, at the ASG. https://t.co/CNJiS8i2Dv
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 13, 2016
To Americans watching #MLBAllStarGame
— Andrew Tumilty (@AndrewTumilty) July 13, 2016
If you've ever wondered what the Canadian term "douche canoe" means, the Tenors just gave an example
I'm not sure who the Tenors are, but maybe, next time, use the words as written for the Canadian anthem.
— Bluebird Banter (@bluebirdbanter) July 13, 2016
UPDATE: The group released a statement and said the situation was the cause of one of the members becoming a “lone wolf” to serve his political views.
— The Tenors (@TenorsMusic) July 13, 2016
