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National Anthem

Updated: Monday, February 18, 2008

Fiji's national anthem is sung in two versions, English and Fijian.

The original national anthem ‘God Bless Fiji’ was composed by Michael Francis Alexander Prescott(b. 1928) with a borrowed tune from a 1911 hymn by Charles Austin Miles entitled Dwelling in Beulah Land. Upon independence in 1970, 'God Bless Fiji' was adopted as the National Anthem.

Then there's the Fijian version ‘Meda Dau Doka’. Contrary to some opinion, it is not a direct translation of ‘God Bless Fiji’. In fact the two anthems have very little in common.

English lyrics for 'God Bless Fiji'
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 what ever befall
May God bless Fiji
Forever more!

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.
____________________________________________________

Fijian lyrics for 'Meda Dau Doka'
Meda dau doka ka vinakata na vanua
E ra sa dau tiko kina na savasava
Rawa tu na gauna ni sautu na veilomani
Biu na i tovo tawa savasava

Chorus:
Me bula ga ko Viti
Ka me toro ga ki liu
Me ra turaga vinaka ko ira na i liuliu
Me ra liutaki na tamata
E na veika vinaka
Me oti kina na i tovo ca

Me da dau doka ka vinakata na vanua
E ra sa dau tiko kina na savasava
Rawa tu na gauna ni sautu na veilomani
Me sa biu na i tovo tawa yaga

Bale ga vei kemuni na cauravou e Viti
Ni yavala me savasava na vanua
Ni kakua ni vosota na dukadukali
Ka me da sa qai biuta vakadua
_____________________________________________________

Translation of Fijian lyrics for "Meda Dau Doka'.

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_Bless_Fiji)

Let us show pride and honour our nation
Where righteous people reside
Where prosperity and fellowship may persevere
Abandon deeds that are immoral

Chorus:
Let Fiji live on
And progress onwards
May our leaders be honourable men
Let them lead our people
To great things
And bring an end to all things immoral

Let us show pride and honour our nation
Where righteous people reside
Where prosperity and fellowship may persevere
Abandon deeds that are immoral

The burdens of change lie on your shoulders youth of Fiji
Be the strength to cleanse our nation
Be wary and not harbour malice
For we must abandon such sentiments forever.

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