The official anthem of Fiji was released on the nation’s Independence Day of 1970. The anthem ‘God Bless Fiji’ was originally composed by Michael Francis Alexander Prescott in 1928, adapted from the 1911 hymn by Charles Austin Miles entitled ‘Dwelling in Beulah Land’. (Audio Below). The music was further adjusted by the Royal Fiji Police Band superintendent and director of music, Viliame Bale, and adopted upon independence from the United Kingdom.
You can hear the anthem being passionately bellowed out across the rooftops when the national Fiji Sevens Rugby team plays, people gather around their TVs to watch their heroes becoming one soul and one nation. The children of Fiji are taught the words and their symbolic meanings every week during assembly, uniting the country through the generations.
Here are the lyrics of the national anthem:
Blessing grant, oh God of nations, on the isles of Fiji,
As we stand united under noble banner blue.
And we honour and defend the cause of freedom ever,
Onward march together,
God bless Fiji!
CHORUS
For Fiji, ever Fiji, let our voices ring with pride,
For Fiji, ever Fiji, her name hail far and wide,
A land of freedom, hope and glory to endure whatever befall
May God bless Fiji, for evermore!
Blessing grant, oh God of nations, on the isles of Fiji,
Shores of golden sand and sunshine, happiness and song.
Stand united, we of Fiji, fame and glory ever,
Onward march together, God bless Fiji!