Island In The Sun

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

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

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

I see woman on bended knee

Cutting cane for her family

I see man at the waterside

Casting nets at the surging tide

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

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

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

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Harry Belafonte

Peak Billboard position 30 in 1957