Arrane Ashoonagh Vannin

The "National Anthem of the Isle of Man" (Template:Langx, ) was written and composed by William Henry Gill (1839–1923), with the Manx translation by John J. Kneen (1873–1939). It is often referred to by its incipit, "O Land of Our Birth" (Template:Langx, ).

History

It is sung to an adaptation of the traditional Manx melody of "Mylecharaine’s March", which had been described as the "Manx national melody" long before Gill's composition. The words that originally accompanied the melody date to around 1800 and concern the impoverishment of a father to pay a dowry. However, those curious words have been identified as disparate pieces of older songs amalgamated together incompletely. The first verse of the song is: (O Mylecharaine, where did you get your store? / Did I not get it in the Curragh, deep, deep enough? / Alone you left me).

First performed at the Manx Music Festival on 21 March 1907, there are eight verses in total in the modern anthem, but only the first verse is usually sung. The anthem was given official status by the Isle of Man's legislature, Tynwald, on 22 January 2003, with "God Save the King" being designated as the royal anthem. The National Anthem is used on official and ceremonial occasions and in schools; the Royal Anthem is normally reserved for use additionally on those occasions when the Sovereign, members of the Royal Family, or the Lieutenant Governor are present.

The traditional song "" ("Isle of Man") had up to that point vied to be an equal unofficial national anthem, and had been re-popularized by a 1997 Bee Gees recording of it released as a single.

Lyrics

English lyrics	Manx lyrics	IPA transcriptionTemplate:Efn
I O land of our birth, O gem of God's earth, O Island so strong and so fair; Built firm as Barrule, Thy Throne of Home Rule Makes us free as thy sweet mountain air. II When Orry, the Dane, In Mannin did reign, 'Twas said he had come from above; For wisdom from Heav'n To him had been giv'n To rule us with justice and love. III Our fathers have told How Saints came of old, Proclaiming the Gospel of Peace; That sinful desires, Like false Baal fires, Must die ere our troubles can cease. IV Ye sons of the soil, In hardship and toil, That plough both the land and the sea, Take heart while you can, And think of the Man Who toiled by the Lake Galilee. V When fierce tempests smote That frail little boat, They ceased at His gentle command; Despite all our fear, The Saviour is near To safeguard our dear Fatherland. VI Let storm-winds rejoice, And lift up their voice, No danger our homes can befall; Our green hills and rocks Encircle our flocks, And keep out the sea like a wall. VII Our Island, thus blest, No foe can molest; Our grain and our fish shall increase; From battle and sword Protecteth the Lord, And crowneth our nation with peace. VIII Then let us rejoice With heart, soul and voice, And in The Lord's promise confide; That each single hour We trust in His power, No evil our souls can betide.

See also

• List of British anthems