South Africa National Anthem (1938-1997; Vocal English) The Call of South Africa

«Die Stem van Suid-Afrika» («The Voice of South Africa»'), also known as «The Call of South Africa» or simply «Die Stem» is a former national anthem of South Africa. There are two versions of the song, one in English and the other in Afrikaans. It was the sole national anthem from 1957 to 1994, and shared co-national anthem status with «God Save the King/Queen» from 1938 to 1957. After the end of apartheid in the early 1990s, it was retained as a co-national anthem along with «Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika» from 1994 to 1997. (English Lyrics) Ringing out from our blue heavens, From our deep seas breaking round; Over everlasting mountains, Where the echoing crags resound; From our plains where creaking wagons Cut their trails into the earth, Calls the spirit of our country, Of the land that gave us birth. At thy call we shall not falter, Firm and steadfast we shall stand, At thy will to live or perish, O South Africa, dear land. In our body and our spirit, In our inmost heart held fast; In the promise of our future, And the glory of our past; In our will, our work, our striving, From the cradle to the grave – There's no land that shares our loving, And no bond that can enslave. Thou hast borne us and we know thee, May our deeds to all proclaim Our enduring love and service To thy honour and thy name. In the golden warmth of summer, In the chill of winter's air, In the surging life of springtime, In the autumn of despair;...