Length: 96 words
Anthem lyrics (use the arrow on the left to collapse this section):
Eternal Father bless our land,
Guard us with Thy Mighty Hand,
Keep us free from evil powers,
Be our light through countless hours.
To our Leaders, Great Defender,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, Land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.
Teach us true respect for all,
Stir response to duty’s call, strengthen us the weak to cherish,
Give us vision lest we perish.
Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.
Historical context:
Jamaica adopted its anthem through a competition organized by the government in the months just prior to achieving its independence from Great Britain (and leaving the West Indies Federation) in August 1962. Nearly one hundred entries for the words were received, and a Joint Committee of the Houses of Parliament made the final selection among them.The lyrics form a prayer, and the musical arrangement has the feel of a hymn, which is perhaps not surprising given that a Methodist reverend (the late Rev. and Hon. Hugh Sherlock, OJ) was one of the authors of the winning submission.
Finally, as a Commonwealth realm, Jamaica retains Queen Elizabeth II as its titular head of state, as well as “God Save the Queen” as its royal anthem.
Performance: