I VOW TO THEE MY COUNTRY, Vocals A. Seaton, N. Blackman. Dr. G. Roberts, Piano and arrangement

Описание: I VOW TO THEE MY COUNTRY, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Lyrics: Cecil Spring Rice, John Hewlett
Composer: Gustav Holst
Vocals: Nadine Blackman, Arlen Seaton
Piano and Arrangement: Dr. George Roberts
Sound engineering: Junior Jagger Martin
Videography: Dr. Gwendolyn Roberts

This song was written over a century ago as a hymn of allegiance to the British Empire. However, the world is much different now. I reviewed the lyrics and recognized that they are relevant to our local situation. To seal the deal, I called on my life-long friend John ‘The Griot’ Hewlett to compose an additional verse specifically referencing Antigua and Barbuda. This I arranged interspersed with motifs from our National Anthem, the first verse being a general pledge of allegiance, the second being a specific National pledge, and the final a recognition of the kingdom of Heaven.

His stirring lyrics combine with the majestic music of Gustav Holst and the phenomenal voices of two of Antigua’s premier soloists, Arlen Seaton and Nadine Blackman. Together they produce an inspirational experience which is timely. Indeed, as a fiercely committed Caribbean regionalist I see these lyrics being relevant to the entire Caribbean. Look now and see what I mean.

Antigua and Barbuda, (Our countries of the Caribbean)
I vow to you my heart
You are a sacred treasure
A Heavenly work of art
To leave colonial masters
We fought so hard and long
Now God bless our nation(s)
So small and yet so strong
Your sunlight shines within me
Wherever I may roam
I vow to thee my country
You’ll always be my home.

We in the region are experiencing natural and man-made disasters which threaten our viability and make us potentially vulnerable to continued colonization. True regional cooperation is the best way for all to survive these difficult times and preserve our independence.


I would be grateful if everyone subscribes, shares and likes this at    • I VOW TO THEE MY COUNTRY, Vocals A. Seaton...  . Also encourage friends and family to do likewise. I will be regularly uploading musical musings to this site as they emerge.
Feel free to explore and view other videos on my YouTube channel, Dr. George Roberts’ Musical Musings.

GMR

#Anrigua
#Music
#independence