Jamaica Lives - Wayne D Russell (available on iTunes)

(Join us at www.Jamaicalives.org) As we approach Jamaica's 50th anniversary I am reminded of what Jamaica means to me -- and the people who served with me in the Jamaica Defense Force. I became a Sergeant at the age of 26 and placed a red sash over my shoulder and across my chest. We are the sentinels and loyal servants, I dedicate this piece to Jamaicans and to the world. This is LyricSurge Records' contribution to the world. This is a rough cut , the final audio will be available on iTunes in November 2011, and we hope to collaborate with the JDF, The Jamaica Tourist Board, and any willing party to do the final video for Jamaica's 50th anniversary. In short, "From Kingston to the world - Out of Many One People. Help us tell our story . Jamaica Lives We wore red tunics and a red sash draped our shoulders Her flag flutters in the wind - we are better for having known her She did not come to us in a dream... we stand for all that's true and just We prowl like holy sentinels - for to protect her shores - we must She is our story boldly told - etched in black, and gold and green Holy land of wood and water, surrounded by the Caribbean sea She lives here within us - her solemn anthems, pledges and vows Her majestic Blue Mountains, her vibrant melodies and sounds Green Isle of the Indies - forever strong forever proud Basking in her shadow we know we stand on hallowed grounds We wore disruptive patterns - fixed her enemies in our sights We bore her arms and colors -- and we are not afraid to fight We Nanny, Sharp, Gordon, Busta, Bogle Manley, Garvey, - we Maroons We are Bruckins, Kumina, Pocomania, quadrille, and jonkunnu We are: Belly, Dancehall Queen, Shottas, and The Harder They Come We are: cricket, boxing, football and dem cyaa test we when we run! For we are: Wint, Quarrie, Campbell, Fraser, Powel, Blake and Usain Bolt We are determined, powerful - quick and simply have no need to boast. We wore Khaki Jackets -- red sash ran across our chests We are her humble loyal servants; we're the finest and the best We are everywhere, ever-present we keep her adversaries at bay We patrol her skies, her shores, her waters to keep her enemies away We paint, we write, we sing to bring humanity closer to its cries And with reverence and humility wipe the tears from our own eyes She did not come to us in a dream, for she is all we are - and am Industrious and courageous the Lord has blessed our sacred land For we are who we are rambunctious fearless from floor to steeple From Kingston to the world - Out of Many - One People. Unafraid of whips and shackles for we have given God the glory And the world will come to know us for we have written our own story See... she did not come to me in a dream... Jamaica stand proud and strong, and free You see Jamaica - lives inside of me. Wayne D Russell