kids encyclopedia robot

God Bless Fiji facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Meda Dau Doka
English: God Bless Fiji
National anthem of  Fiji
Lyrics Michael Francis Alexander Prescott
Music Charles Austin Miles
Adopted 1970

"Meda Dau Doka" is the national anthem of Fiji. It is also known as "God Bless Fiji" in English. Fiji adopted this anthem in 1970 when the country became independent from the United Kingdom.

The music for the anthem comes from an older Christian hymn called Dwelling in Beulah Land. An American gospel writer named Charles Austin Miles composed this music in 1911. The words (lyrics) for Fiji's anthem were written by Michael Francis Alexander Prescott.

It's interesting that the Fijian version and the English version of the anthem are not direct translations of each other. The English version is sung much more often. In 2008, people suggested that the anthem should be sung using all three of Fiji's official languages: Fijian, English, and Fiji Hindi.

The Anthem's Words

The national anthem of Fiji has different versions of its words. The English version is the most popular.

English Version

This version is sung very often in Fiji.

Blessing grant oh God of nations on the isles of Fiji
As we stand united under noble banner blue
And we honour and defend the cause of freedom ever
Onward march together
God bless Fiji
Chorus:
For Fiji, ever Fiji, let our voices ring with pride
For Fiji, ever Fiji, her name hails far and wide,
A land of freedom, hope and glory, to endure what ever befalls
May God bless Fiji
Forever more!
Blessing grant, oh God of nations, on the isles of Fiji
Shores of golden sand and sunshine, happiness and song
Stand united, we of Fiji, fame and glory ever
Onward march together
God bless Fiji.

Fijian Version

Here are the official words in the Fijian language. The main message is about honoring the nation and working for good.

Fijian lyrics
(official)
Fijian to English translation

Meda dau doka ka vinakata na vanua
E ra sa dau tiko kina na savasava
Rawa tu na gauna ni sautu na veilomani
Me sa Biu na i tovo tawa yaga

Me bula ga ko Viti
 Ka me toro ga ki liu
Me ra turaga vinaka ko ira na i liuliu
Me ra liutaki na tamata
E na veika vinaka
Me oti kina na i tovo ca

Me da dau doka ka vinakata na vanua
E ra sa dau tiko kina na savasava
Rawa tu na gauna ni sautu na veilomani
Me sa biu na i tovo tawa yaga

Bale ga vei kemuni na cauravou e Viti
Ni yavala me savasava na vanua
Ni kakua ni vosota na dukadukali
Ka me da sa qai biuta vakadua

Let us show our pride and honour our nation
Where righteous people reside
Where prosperity and fellowship may persevere
Abandon deeds that are immoral

Let Fiji live on
 And progress onwards
May our leaders be honourable men
Let them lead our people
To great things
And bring an end to all things immoral

Let us show pride and honour our nation
Where righteous people reside
Where prosperity and fellowship may persevere
Abandon deeds that are immoral

The burden of change lie on your shoulders youth of Fiji
Be the strength to cleanse our nation
Be wary and not harbour malice
For we must abandon such sentiments forever

Fiji Hindi Version

There is also a version of the anthem in Fiji Hindi.

He jagdishwar, kripa karo tum Fiji desh pe apne
Ahle watan hum teri sharan mein, teri dhwaja ke neehe
Ajaadi ki raksha aur samman sada hum karege
Sab milke badhte rahege
Sarwamangal Fiji
Yeh Fiji, hamara Fiji
Hum sab mil gaate rahe
Yeh Fiji Hamara Fiji
Yeh naara lagate rahe
Dharti hai apni, azaadi, asha aur garva ki
Kripa rahe prabhu ki, Fiji par sarwada

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Meda dau doka para niños

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
God Bless Fiji Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.