Fun Facts About the Jamaican National Anthem that Few People Know

The Jamaican National Anthem

Fun Facts About Jamaica’s National Anthem That Few People Know

No matter where you’re from, there is a song, official or unofficial, that’s your country’s anthem. And, Jamaica is no different. Our Jamaican National anthem is well loved by Jamaicans at home and abroad.

While you may think Bob Marley’s “One Love” is our national anthem, it actually isn’t.

Read on as I share our national anthem with you.

The Lyrics of the Jamaican National Anthem: Jamaica Land We Love

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

Hear a Recording of Jamaica’s National Anthem

Sheet Music for the Jamaican National Anthem

7 Fun Facts About Jamaica’s National Anthem

1. The national anthem is actually a prayer.
2. The lyrics for the national anthem resulted from a competition which was launched in September 1961, which had about 100 entries. There was to be a separate contest for the music.
3. The Houses of Parliament could not decide between two choices and did not make a decision on the lyrics until July 19, 1962, leaving only 2.5 weeks before Independence for whole country to learn the song.
4. The National Anthem was first used on Jamaica’s Independence Day, August 6, 1962.
5. Jamaica had a national anthem before Canada, where “God Save the Queen” was sung as the national anthem until July 1, 1980.
6. The original score of Jamaica’s national anthem was given to the British Library. It would be interesting to know if it was ever returned to Jamaica.
7. Almost all of the credit for the national anthem was given to Hugh Sherlock who wrote the lyrics and to Robert Lightbourne who wrote the music. Mapletoft Poulle and his wife, Christine Poulle-Lindo, did the arrangement. They were finally recognized by the Jamaican Government 49 years later with the Order of Distinction.

Our anthem is well loved by Jamaicans at home and abroad.

We hope you enjoyed reading a little bit about Jamaican culture and history.

If you want to learn more, check out the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) page.

‘Til next time.

Think and dream Jamaica!