National Anthem

The National Anthem of the Republic of Rhodesia, 'Rise O Voices of Rhodesia', was decided upon and introduced after a national competition, on 26th August 1974. Using Beethoven's, Ode to Joy as the melody, the lyrics were composed by a Mrs Mary Bloom, a South African born resident of Gwelo, who was awarded 500 Rhodesian dollars for her entry.

Rise, O voices of Rhodesia

Rise, O voices of Rhodesia,
God may 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 land 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 honoured name.