Photo provided by: http://mixtapeyardy.blogspot.com/2012/08/jamaica-celebrates-50.html
“Teach us true respect for all”—the first line in the second stanza of Jamaica’s national anthem.
In 1962, the Rev. Hugh Sherlock and Robert Lightbourne won the national competition for the new anthem. The result is a song that reflects the One Love mentality of Jamaica.
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
But words are only half of it—the other half is melody. Listen here: