Homeland by Gustav Holst arr. Z. R. Stroope Milwaukee Choral Artists

The Milwaukee Choral Artists sing in concert on February 19, 2011 at North Shore Congregational Church, Fox Point, WI "Homeland" arr. by Z. Randall Stroope. Milwaukee Choral Artists, Neil Bubke, piano; Sharon Hansen, Music Director
I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above,
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love;
The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test,
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
The love that never falters, the love that pays the price,
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.
Though the road has bends and turns, and my spirit suffers,
Humans fail, systems fail, shadows fall.
But the ruts run deep, cut by the blood of faces above,
And voices now silent...
But the message loud is heard: "Homeland., homeland,
Renew your youth, restore your soul!"
Homeland, the country that I love, hold out your arms to me.
I strive for you, and give to you the best I hope to be.
May your wisdom be your armour, your compassion be your sword;
May your strength be forged with mercy, your courage lives restore.
Homeland, the country that I love, forever reign supreme;
And when time stands still, my homeland,
may heaven hold your dream.
My homeland, be my dream, my hope.
Homeland, homeland!
text by Sir Cecil Spring-Rice (1859-1918) and by Z. Randall Stroope (b. 1953)

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I sang this song in high school over twenty years ago and heard the melody while listening to a classical playlist. I had to listen to this song again. It was one of my favorites in the four years of high school chorus competition.