Lyrics Gerard Kemps, 1958 | Music Gerard Kemps, 1958 | |
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O Sweet Saint Martin's Land is the bi-national song of Saint Martin/Sint-Maarten island, an island divided between the French Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Contents
This full original version was written by Gerard Kemps in 1958.
Father Kemps's Legacy
Many years ago, Father Gerard Kemps, after being appointed as priest for the Catholic Church of French St-Martin in 1954, felt compelled to compose lyrics and a melody to sing of the sweetness, the grace, and the incomparable beauty of the land that was unfolding before his eyes.
In 1958, Father Gerard Kemps created "O Sweet Saint Martin's Land". Because of the message the lyrics conveyed and the melody that carried the tune, it served the purpose of a national song.
In 1984, on the occasion of the Queen's Birthday, Father Kemps was knighted "Ridder in de Order van Oranje van Nassau".
Although there are some now on St. Martin who are unaware of Father Kemps, his legacy lives on in the St. Martin's song.
Audio
Lyrics
Hereafter : The various lyrics of the O Sweet Saint Martin's Land song (in English, French and Dutch).