Sarnia Cherie

Sarnia Cherie is used as the anthem of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands. 'Sarnia' is a traditional name for the island, hence, the title translates as "Guernsey Dear". George Deighton wrote "Guernsey Dear" in [1911], with Domencio Santangelo subsequently composing the tune later that year.

Sarnia; dear Homeland, Gem of the sea.

Island of beauty, my heart longs for thee.

Thy voice calls me ever, in waking, or sleep,

Till my soul cries with anguish, my eyes ache to weep.

In fancy I see thee, again as of yore,

Thy verdure clad hills and thy wave beaten shore.

Thy rock sheltered bays, ah; of all thou art best,

I'm returning to greet thee, dear island of rest.

CHORUS

Sarnia Cherie. Gem of the sea.

Home of my childhood, my heart longs for thee.

Thy voice calls me ever, forget thee I'll never,

Island of beauty. Sarnia Cherie.

I left thee in anger, I knew not thy worth.

Journeyed afar, to the ends of the earth.

Was told of far countries, the heav'n of the bold,

Where the soil gave up diamonds, silver and gold.

The sun always shone, and "race" took no part,

But thy cry always reached me, its pain wrenched my heart.

So I'm coming home, thou of all art the best.

Returning to greet thee, dear island of rest.

CHORUS