Home | Songs By Year | Songs from 1962
The Banner of Freedom
Buy The Banner of Freedom now from AmazonFirst, read the Wikipedia article. Then, scroll down to see what other TopShelfReviews readers thought about the song. And once you've experienced the song, tell everyone what you thought about it.
Wikipedia article
"'The Banner of Freedom'" ( ), known also as "'" (; "Samoa, Arise") is the national anthem of Samoa. Both the words (which reference the country's flag) and the music were composed by Sauni Iiga Kuresa. The anthem was composed in response to a public competition to select a new anthem when the United Nations conferred self-government on Samoa in 1948 and was chosen from among 15 entries. It was performed publicly for the first time on 1 June 1948 and was subsequently played at all public ceremonies attended by the High Commissioner and performed after "God Save the Queen" on official occasions. It was retained as the national anthem upon Samoa's gaining of independence from New Zealand in 1962.
The anthem is recognised by the 'Official Flag and National Anthem of Samoa Act 1994'. When it is sung or played in public, people and vehicles must stop and remain stationary until the performance is complete.
Lyrics
{| class="wikitable"
!Samoan original
!IPA transcription
!English translation
|- style="vertical-align:top; white-space:nowrap;"
|
Va'ai i na fetu o lo'o ua agiagia ai;
Le faailoga lea o Iesu namaliu ai mo Samoa
Oi! Samoa e, u'u mau lau pule ia faavavau.
Aua e te fefe, o le Atua lo ta fa'avae
O lo ta Sa'olotoga,
Samoa, tula'i, ua agiagia lau
Fu'a lou pale lea.}}
|
|
Oh! see and behold the stars on the waving banner!
They are a sign that Samoa is able to lead.
Oh! Samoa, hold fast your freedom forever!
Do not be afraid; as you are founded on God;
Our treasured precious liberty.
Samoa, arise and wave
Your banner that is your crown!
|}
Notes
References
Buy The Banner of Freedom now from Amazon
<-- Return to songs from 1962