Island In the Sun



Artist: Harry Belafonte (peak Billboard position # 30 in 1957)

Words and Music by Harry Belafonte and Lord Burgess

Title song from the 1957 film starring James Mason, Joan Collins, Dorothy

Dandridge, Michael Rennie, and Belafonte.



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



Transcribed by Ronald E. Hontz

ronhontz@worldnet.att.net