Donaldson had been composing and recording since 1964. He rocketed to popularity in 1971 with his winning entry in the annual Jamaican Festival Song Competition, "Cherry Oh Baby". He went on to win the festival again in in 1977, 1978, 1984 and 1993. The "Cherry Oh Baby" has been very popular, and has been covered more than thirty times, including covers by The Rolling Stones and UB40.
Land of My Birth
Eric Donaldson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is the land of my birth; I say this is the land of my birth.
I say this is jamaica, my jamaica, the land of my birth.
I will never leave her shores, I will never run away.
I will always believe in the black, the green, the gold I say.
All nations greater of all the trials, we must face the test of time, that our people they are strong and we going to get along.
For some people say we poor, but the progress you make my friend is not always how rich you are.
I say this is the land of my birth; I say this is the land of my birth.
I say this is jamaica, my jamaica, the land of my birth.
Let us stop for a minute, count our blessings one by one.
We should never be disloyal, but stand up and keep strong.
My jamaica is a beautiful island, she is the crown of the caribbean sea and our people they are free, no oppression here to see.
With the prettiest women there be. and the hills, and the plains and the rivers and the valleys always make on the beach.
I say this is the land of my birth; I say this is the land of my birth.
I say this is jamaica, my jamaica, the land of my birth.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, aah, aah, aah
Ms tourist, mr. tourist, leave your land and come.
Tarry here for a while, and I will bathe in the warm warm sun.
We will share a lot with you. our people they are true, they will want to be with you.
They will love, they will help, they will give, if you wish my friend you can live.
You will be a happier one in the land of the rising sun.
I say this is the land of my birth; I say this is the land of my birth.
I say this is jamaica, my jamaica, the land of my birth.
I say this is the land of my birth; I say this is the land of my birth.
I say this is jamaica, my jamaica, the land of my birth.
Eric Donaldson's song "Land of My Birth" is a proud tribute to his home country, Jamaica. The song opens with a chorus of "oohs" and "aahs" before Donaldson declares, "This is the land of my birth; I say this is Jamaica, my Jamaica, the land of my birth." He goes on to pledge loyalty to his country and its national colors, black, green, and gold, and asserts that his people are strong and will persevere through any challenges that come their way.
Donaldson implores his fellow Jamaicans to be grateful for their blessings and to stand strong in the face of adversity. He notes that Jamaica is a beautiful island with friendly people and encourages tourists to visit and experience the warmth of the sun and the hospitality of the locals. Ultimately, Donaldson's message is one of pride and unity, celebrating the unique culture and natural beauty of his homeland.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, aah, aah, aah
Expressing the emotional connection and pride towards Jamaica.
This is the land of my birth; I say this is the land of my birth.
Affirming Jamaica as the birthplace of the singer.
I will never leave her shores, I will never run away.
Dedication of the singer to always stay in Jamaica.
I will always believe in the black, the green, the gold I say.
The colors of the Jamaican flag symbolizing the beauty and pride of Jamaica.
All nations greater of all the trials, we must face the test of time, that our people they are strong and we going to get along.
Facing and overcoming obstacles as a nation with unity and strength.
For some people say we poor, but the progress you make my friend is not always how rich you are.
The wealth of a country is measured by more than just monetary factors.
Let us stop for a minute, count our blessings one by one.
Taking a moment to appreciate the positive aspects of Jamaica.
We should never be disloyal, but stand up and keep strong.
Urging Jamaicans to remain committed and resilient in the face of challenges.
My jamaica is a beautiful island, she is the crown of the caribbean sea and our people they are free, no oppression here to see.
Praising the beauty of Jamaica and celebrating the freedom and lack of oppression in the country.
With the prettiest women there be. and the hills, and the plains and the rivers and the valleys always make on the beach.
Describing the natural beauty of Jamaica with its attractive women, hills, plains, rivers, valleys, and beaches.
Ms tourist, mr. tourist, leave your land and come.
Encouraging tourists to visit Jamaica.
Tarry here for a while, and I will bathe in the warm warm sun.
Inviting tourists to spend time in the warm sun of Jamaica.
We will share a lot with you. our people they are true, they will want to be with you.
Jamaicans are hospitable and friendly towards tourists.
They will love, they will help, they will give, if you wish my friend you can live.
Jamaicans are willing to love, help, give, and even host tourists who wish to live in Jamaica.
You will be a happier one in the land of the rising sun.
Jamaica is the land of the rising sun and one can find happiness here.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, aah, aah, aah
Expressing the emotional connection and pride towards Jamaica.
I say this is the land of my birth; I say this is the land of my birth.
Affirming Jamaica as the birthplace of the singer.
I say this is jamaica, my jamaica, the land of my birth.
Reiterating the pride and ownership of Jamaica as the singer's birthplace.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: WINSTON GODFREY RODNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@KwakuAmaniampongKyerefo
Jamaica is the Land of my birth 🇯🇲 🇯🇲 🇯🇲
Who is here in 2021??
🔥🔥✊✊💃💃
@hughj8763
A legendary song! I’m so proud to be Jamaican 🇯🇲 🇯🇲 🇯🇲
@dallasfarms1907
Im here to listen for our Jamaica day next week
@claudettestewart3711
Me dey ya! 👍🏿
@shyanmurray2748
"I'm proud to be a Jamaican child of god".best thing ever happen to me.
@reamerb
I'm here forever.
@backpackerslagos4637
This song was so huge in Nigeria. You will think we are Jamaicans. I love you guys and hope one day to visit the great nation.
@dutchesscarniegegordon56
Love you too
@robertsimpson6680
Up
@prudencecampbell3075
Up up Nigeria.