Maple Leaf Rag to its publication, Joplin anticipated that the piece would be a success—he told Arthur Marshall that "The Maple Leaf will make me the king of ragtime composers". The exact circumstances which led to publication of the "Maple Leaf Rag" are unknown, and there are versions of the event which contradict each other. After approaching several publishers, Joplin signed a contract with John Stillwell Stark on August 10, 1899 for a $0.01 royalty on all sales of the rag, with a minimum sales price of $0.25. The "Maple Leaf Rag" was published between August 10 and September 20, 1899, when the
The Maple Leaf Forever of old, Into Canada's fair domain, This hallowed oath and legacy, We vow to yield it never!, For life and peace and liberty!, The Maple Leaf Forever!, The Maple Leaf, our emblem dear, The Maple Leaf Forever!, Long may it wave and God defend, The Maple Leaf Forever!, Thro' battle flame in lands afar, Our brave warriors side by side, For freedom, home, and lov'd ones dear, Firmly stood and nobly died, Their sacrifice and valour shine, Their Names Will Live Forever!, O Valiant hearts whose deeds proclaim, The Maple Leaf Forever!, The Maple Leaf, our emblem dear, The Maple