1. O, land of the free by the carib Sea,
our manhood we pledge to thy liberty!
No tyrants here linger, despots must flee
This tranquil haven of democracy
The blood of our sires which hallows the sod,
Brought freedom from slavery oppression's rod,
By the might of truth and the grace of God.
No longer shall we be hewers of wood.

Arise! ye sons of the Baymen's clan,
put on your armour, clear the land!
Drive back the tyrants, let despots flee-
Land of the Free by the Carib Sea!

2. Nature has blessed thee with wealth untold,
O'er mountains and valleys where praries roll;
Our fathers, the Baymen, valiant and bold
Drove back the invader; this heritage hold
From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon'
Through coral isle, over blue lagoon;
Keep watch with the angels, the stars and moon;
For freedom comes tomorrow's noon.

Arise! ye sons of the Baymen's clan,
put on your armour, clear the land!
Drive back the tyrants, let despots flee-
Land of the Free by the Carib Sea!

-------------------------

Belize
"Land of the Free"

Words by:Samuel Alfred Haynes
Music by:Selwyn Walford Young
Adopted:1981

The anthem was first written in 1963 by a Belize citizen who fought on the side
of the British in World War I. After his return from the war, he was actively
involved in local movements that encouraged Belizian identity and towards the
removal of racial discrimination in Belize; the anthem may have been written
with these sentiments in mind. The original title was "Land of the Gods" in
response to the prevalence of religious observance in the country. It was
adopted upon independence from Great Britain in 1981.

Presently there has been some debate about the anthem and if it should be
replaced. The ruling party of the day unilaterally adopted the anthem upon
independence and the choice of an anthem was not put to the population to
decide, although the choice was agreed upon by the people. Also, there has been
issue by womens' groups in the country with phrases such as "Our manhood we
pledge to thy liberty" and to the militaristic imagery in the chorus.

MUSIC
