(harry belafonte and lord burges)
this is my island in the sun
where my people have toiled since time begun
i may sail on many a sea
her shores will always be home to me
oh, island in the sun
willed to me by my father's hand
all my days i will sing in praise
of your forest, waters, your shining sand
as morning breaks the heaven on high
i lift my heavy load to the sky
sun comes down with a burning glow
mingles my sweat with the earth below
oh, island in the sun
willed to me by my father's hand
all my days i will sing in praise
of your forest, waters, your shining sand
i see woman on bended knee
cutting cane for her family
i see man at the waterside
casting nets at the surging tide
oh, island in the sun
willed to me by my father's hand
all my days i will sing in praise
of your forest, waters, your shining sand
i pray the day will never come
when i can't awake to the sound of drum
never let me miss carnival
with calypso songs philosophical
oh, island in the sun
willed to me by my father's hand
all my days i will sing in praise
of your forest, waters, your shining sand |