"Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee" is the de facto national anthem of Antigua and Barbuda. Written by Novelle Richards and composed by Walter P. Chambers, it was adopted in 1967 while Antigua and Barbuda was still a British colony. It was adopted as the customary national anthem upon independence in 1981. Officially, the song is not mentioned in Antiguan and Barbudan legislation although in practice the song is performed during various official events. After Antigua changed its status to become an associated state as the Associated State of Antigua, "Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee" was de facto adopted as the national anthem with "God Save the Queen" being retained as the Royal anthem. In 1981, following full independence, the original melody was retained but the lyrics were changed. During Independence Day celebrations, it is customary for Antiguan churches to sing "Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee" during services of thanksgiving.
Lyrics
During official events, usually only the first verse is performed
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|<poem>I
Fair Antigua and Barbuda.
We thy sons and daughters stand
Strong and firm in peace or danger
To safeguard our native land
We commit ourselves to building
A true nation brave and free;
Ever striving, ever seeking,
Dwell in love and unity
II
Raise the standard! Raise it boldly!
Answer now to duty's call
To the service of thy country,
Sparing nothing, giving all;
Gird your loins and join the battle
'Gainst fear, hate and poverty,
Each endeavouring, all achieving,
Live in peace where man is free.
III
God of nations, let Thy blessings
Fall upon this land of ours;
Rain and sunshine ever sending,
Fill her fields with crops and flowers;
We her children do implore Thee,
Give us strength, faith, loyalty,
Never failing, all enduring
To defend her liberty.</poem>
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Former 1967-1981 lyrics
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|<poem>I
Fair Antigua, we salute thee,
Proudly we this anthem raise.
To thy glory and thy beauty,
Joyfully we sing the praise
Of the virtues, all bestowed
On thy sons and daughters free;
Ever striving, ever seeking,
Dwell in love and unity.
II
Raise the standard! Raise it boldly!
Answer now to duty’s call
To the service of thy country,
Sparing nothing, giving all.
Gird your loins and join the battle
’Gainst fear, hate and poverty,
Each endeavouring, all achieving,
Live in peace where man is free.
III
God of nations, let Thy blessing
Fall upon this land of ours;
Rain and sunshine ever sending,
Fill her fields with crops and flowers.
We, her children, do implore Thee,
Give us strength, faith, loyalty,
Never failing, all enduring,
To defend her liberty.</poem>
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References
External links
- Streaming audio of Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee with lyrics and information (archive link)