Land of Liberty
From WikiStates
 An original published copy of the poem by Drydale in 1749, scanned by HM Office of Historical Preservation and on display in the East Wing of the Palace of Lancaster. |
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| National Anthem of |  Cravan |
|---|---|
| Lyrics | Richard Drydale, 1749 |
| Music | Anthony Exeter, 1782 |
| Adopted | 1782 |
Land of Liberty is the national anthem of Cravan, adopted in 1782 after the death of its original writer, poet Richard Drydale. It was composed into a musical piece by Anthony Exeter, and is often performed by an ensemble of string instruments.
History
In 1749, famed Cravanian poet Richard Drydale wrote the poem originally as "Great Land of Freedom", however before publishing it retitled it a simpler "Land of Liberty." The piece emulated the era of liberal thought and ideals which had risen to prominence in the earlier part of the 18th century, and commemorated the nation's commitment to freedom for all individuals. When published, it became one of his more notable works.
Upon his death in 1782, the Act of Anthem passed by Parliament announced that the poem would be transferred into song form and made the national anthem. Cravanian composer Anthony Exeter was commissioned by Parliament to create the music to which the lyrics would be set, and in November of 1782 the national anthem of Cravan was officially changed from "God Save the King/Queen," which would remain as the Royal Anthem, to "Land of Liberty."
Music
Anthony Exeter's composition turned the poem into a slow, almost sad yet at the same time triumphant song. When performed, the song lasts approximately one minute and eighteen seconds, and when not performed with a vocalist, an ensemble of strings play the part of the lyrics.
Lyrics
1In this verse, the style Queen or King is interchanged depending on the sex of the reigning monarchy. Currently, it is Queen.
- 'Cross emerald plains,
- Under endless skies of white and blue,
- Eternal home of the free,
- With life and liberty,
- God keep this land,
- Free and just; forever grand,
- May the light of liberty reign,
- Over our Queen's1 blessed domain,
- Forever!
