Jamaican Songs and Verses

Jamaican National Anthem

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.

“The above is an exact copy of the original version of the National Anthem as distributed throughout Jamaica in July 1962 so as to enable everyone to learn the words of the Anthem. It is therefore the authoritative version as regards punctuation and the placing of capital letters”

The Anthem is the creative work of four persons: The late Rev. & Hon. Hugh Sherlock, OJ, OBE, the late Hon. Robert Lightbourne, OJ, the late Mapletoft Poulle and Mrs Poulle (now Mrs Raymond Lindo)

Jamaica Land of Beauty

Jamaica land of beauty, We promise faithfully To serve thee with our talents and bring our gifts to thee Jamaica we will always in honour of thy name Work steadfastly and wisely and never bring thee Shame From riverside to mountain from cane-field to the sea Our hearts salute Jamaica Triumphant, proud and free,

Together in our country, In love and brotherhood We’ll work and play in freedom, as all god’s children should With hearts and hands united, In thanks for everything That God has giv’n unto us, together let us sing From riverside to mountain from cane-field to the sea Our hearts salute Jamaica, Triumphant, proud and free.

Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.

Word: A. L. Hendricks Music: Lloyd Hall

National Pledge

For use at the beginning and end of term, and on other special occasions.

Before God and all mankind, I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart, the wisdom and courage of my mind, the strength and vigour of my body in the service of my fellow citizens; I promise to stand up for Justice, Brotherhood and Peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.

Shorter Pledge for Schools

Before God and all mankind, I pledge my love, my loyalty and skills, in the service of Jamaica and my fellow citizens. I promise to work diligently and to help build a prosperous and peaceful nation.

 National Song – I pledge my Heart

I pledge my heart forever To serve with humble pride This shining homeland, ever So long as earth abide.

I pledge my heart, this island As God and faith shall live My work, my strength, my love and My loyalty to give.

O green isle of the Indies, Jamaica, strong and free, Our vows and loyal promises O heartland, ‘tis to Thee.

The National Song for schools is set to the tune of ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’. It was written by the late Hon. Victor Stafford Reid, OJ.

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