Length: 177 words
Anthem lyrics (use the arrow on the left to collapse this section):
In plenty and in time of need
When this fair land was young
Our brave forefathers sowed the seed
From which our pride was sprung
A pride that makes no wanton boast
Of what it has withstood
That binds our hearts from coast to coast
The pride of nationhood
We loyal sons and daughters all
Do hereby make it known
These fields and hills beyond recall
Are now our very own
We write our names on history’s page
With expectations great
Strict guardians of our heritage
Firm craftsmen of our fate
The Lord has been the people’s guide
For past three hundred years.
With Him still on the people’s side
We have no doubts or fears.
Upward and onward we shall go,
Inspired, exulting, free,
And greater will our nation grow
In strength and unity.
We loyal sons and daughters all
Do hereby make it known
These fields and hills beyond recall
Are now our very own
We write our names on history’s page
With expectations great
Strict guardians of our heritage
Firm craftsmen of our fate.
Historical context:
Barbados adopted its national anthem, “In Plenty and In Time of Need,” upon achieving independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. Famous musician Irving Burgie wrote the lyrics. Burgie, also known professionally as “Lord Burgess,” was a leading composer and songwriter who worked extensively with Harry Belafonte.Born in Brooklyn, New York, his mother was from Barbados, and he built and retained strong connections with Barbados and the Caribbean throughout his life. Perhaps the song for which he is most known at a global level is “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” which he co-authored with William Attaway, although he wrote numerous other very successful songs throughout his long career in music.
At most events, just one verse and the chorus of the anthem is played, instead of the complete song. Up until November 30, 2021, Barbados was a Commonwealth realm with Queen Elizabeth II as the formal head of state, and “God Save the Queen” was the nation’s royal anthem. But with the declaration of Barbados as a republic that day, the Queen ceased to be the nation’s head of state, and the royal anthem passed into its history. (While Barbados remains a member of the Commonwealth, it now has its own President as head of state and joins the ranks of Commonwealth republics.)
Performance: