Island in the Sun
Elizabeth Cotten
This is my island in the sun
Where my people have toiled since time begun
I may sail on many a sea
Her shores will always be home to me
[Chorus:]
Oh, island in the sun
Willed to me by my father's hand
All my days I will sing in praise
Of your forest, waters, your shining sand
As morning breaks the heaven on high
I lift my heavy load to the sky
Sun comes down with a burning glow
Mingles my sweat with the earth below
[Chorus]
I see woman on bended knee
Cutting cane for her family
I see man at the waterside
Casting nets at the surging tide
[Chorus]
I pray the day will never come
When I can't awake to the sound of drum
Never let me miss carnival
With calypso songs philosophical
[Chorus]