Mr. Irving Burgie, who was born in the US to a Barbadian mother and an American father, wrote the lyrics to the Barbados National Anthem.
He embraced his mother's heritage and created one of the greatest symbols of Barbadian pride.
Mr. C. Van Roland Edwards composed the original music for our National Anthem. He was born in Barbados and was partially blind, so his two daughters helped with his work.
Edwards was never formally trained although he had been writing music since he was a pupil of St. Peter's Church Boy's School, and was a member of the British Song Society.
The Anthem's music was revised in 1967 by Inspector Prince Cave of the Royal Barbados Police Band. The Anthem was given a more sustained melody while at the same time retaining the original tune by Mr. Edwards.
The lyrics of the Barbados National Anthem
In plenty and in time of need
When this fair land was young
Our brave forefathers sowed the seed
From which our pride is 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.
Chorus:
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. |
