Rise O Voices of Rhodesia

Rise O Voices of Rhodesia from 1974 was the official national anthem of Rhodesia. In the years of international isolation as a result of the unilateral declaration of independence by the United Kingdom in 1965 it was recorded. The melody is that of Beethoven's 9th Symphony, which was later used by the Euro Council of the European Union. The text could prevail in a State-wide tender and comes from Mary Bloom, a South African from Gwelo. (2009 Gweru )

Rise O voices of Rhodesia God june we thy bounty share, Give us strength to face all danger, And where challenge is, to dare. Guide us, Lord, to wise decision, Ever of thy grace aware. Oh, let our hearts beat bravely always For this country within thy care. Rise O voices of Rhodesia Bringing her your proud acclaim, Grandly echoing through the mountains Rolling over far flung plain Roaring in the mighty rivers Joining in one grand refrain Ascending to the sunlit heavens Telling of her name Honoured

Rise up, O voices of Rhodesia God, let us share your gift, Give us strength to face the danger, And the challenges to dare. Give us, Lord, to choose right, Always awareness of your grace. Let our hearts beat bravely always For this country, in your care. Rise up, O voices of Rhodesia Let them hear euern proud exultation, The great echoing through the mountains, The over vast plains rolls. Rustling in the mighty rivers Coincidentally, in a great chorus Ascending to the sunlit sky Heralding their honorable name.