Jamaica
Jamaica, Land We Love
1962
1962
Hugh Sherlock
Robert Lightbourne
✝ God / Faith 🌅 Hope ❤ Love of homeland ☮ Peace |
Key Facts
- 1. Jamaica's anthem never mentions the country's name, which is unusual; most national anthems explicitly name the nation at least once.
- 2. The anthem is typically performed at a notably slow tempo, and official guidelines recommend it be sung in under one minute to prevent dragging.
- 3. Robert Lightbourne, who composed the melody, was a self-taught musician who also worked as a schoolteacher and later became a government minister.
Lyrics
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.
Enable us to rise above,
All that fester, sin and shame;
Gird us for the tasks that matter,
Build us up to Thy great name.
Guide us, Lord, in all our dealings,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Analysis
EditorialWritten by Hugh Sherlock with music by Robert Lightbourne, the anthem was adopted upon Jamaica's independence from the United Kingdom on August 6, 1962. The anthem takes the form of a prayer, asking God to bless and protect the nation. It won a national competition that received over 700 entries.