Island in the Sun

To my mother A.A. Thanks to Caro Ness who was the inspiration behind this book.

Island in the Sun Electronic book published by ipicturebooks.com 24 W. 25th St. New York, NY 10010 For more ebooks, visit us at: http://www.ipicturebooks.com All rights reserved Illustrations copyright © 1999 Alex Ayliffe Copyright © 1956; renewed 1984 by Clara Music Publishing Corporation (ASCAP)/Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc. (ASCAP)/Lord Burgess Music Publishing Company (ASCAP)/DreamWorks Songs (ASCAP). Worldwide rights for Clara Music Publishing Corporation administered by Next Decade Entertainment, Inc. (ASCAP)/ Worldwide rights for Lord Burgess Music Publishing Company and DreamWorks Songs administered by Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. e-ISBN 1-59019-757-7 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Text by Harry Belafonte and Lord Burgess • Pictures by Alex Ayliffe

This is my island in the sun Where my people have toiled since time begun.

Tho 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 forests, waters, your shining sand.

When 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 forests, waters, your shining sand.

I see woman on bended knee, Cutting cane for her family.

I see man at the water’s side, 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 forests, waters, your shining sand.

I hope the day will never come That 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 forests, waters, your shining sand.

Words and Music by

Harry Belafonte and Irving Burgie

This is my island in the sun Where my people have toiled since time begun. Tho 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 forests, waters, your shining sand. When morning breaks the heaven in high, I lift my heavy load to the sky. Sun comes down with a burning glow, Mingles my sweat with the earth below. I see woman on bended knee, Cutting cane for her family. I see man at the water’s side, Casting nets at the surging tide. I hope the day will never come That I can’t awake to the sound of drum. Never let me miss carnival, With calypso songs philosophical.

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WORDS AND MUSIC BY Har r y Belafonte and Ir ving Burgie

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