I Vow to Thee, My Country (Tune: Thaxted - 4vv) [with lyrics for congregations]

"I Vow to Thee, My Country" is a poem by the diplomat Sir Cecil Spring Rice, written in 1908 or 1912, entitled "Urbs Dei" ("The City of God") or "The Two Fatherlands". The poem describes how a Christian owes his loyalties to both his homeland and the heavenly kingdom. He rewrote the first verse in 1918 and it is this version which is used in the hymn.
The tune is 'Thaxted', adapted by Gustav Holst from the main theme to 'Jupiter' from his 'Planets' suite.
It is performed here by Wallingford Parish Church Choir and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Video background by eikira from Pixabay.

[@jay-b1223]

I’m not even from England but this song makes me feel proud 🥲 God bless you all over in the UK 🇬🇧 ❤️

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Thank you, Jay. 😊

[@nonhlanhlakunene4921]

Your small mind is what tells you so

[@cathybennett2415]

@@nonhlanhlakunene4921 - why such a comment? 🤔 Please be kind & show some respect....

[@JG-sp9tm]

Bless you Jay-B.

[@jackbentham1926]

I’m from England and this song always gives me shivers we are a good country and this song shows this

[@ChetValleyChurches]

It's a good hymn. 😊

[@CollieDog24]

it's not sung enough times.I love this country,its a pity some people here slag it off.

[@dwaynesmith7070]

I am an American Citizen but a Brit at heart.

[@ChetValleyChurches]

It was written by a Brit but could apply to any country, we guess Dwayne. 😊

[@user-zh9yg7sg7p]

I think if this was the national anthem the world would ne singing alomg, such a lovely song and music! From Jamaica... this song just hits different and touching. Even my kids ade a fan and they are young!

[@Devonviolet1979]

I wish this was our national anthem

[@jayRue84]

I'm from Zim🇿🇼but this hymn is so deep❤God bless UK

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Thank you, Jacqueline. Greetings to Zimbabwe from Norfolk, UK. 😊🙏

[@paulmcdougall1820]

How is this not our national anthem?.

[@winstonchurchill586]

When the monarchy is removed it probably will be, I’m all for the monarchy but by the time king George is in power there will be no point in them.

[@user-jp4tl9zd8n]

This was sung at my late husband and dad's side of military force members gold stars of loss of all the military 🎖️🪖 death in a line of duty deaths.

[@deedub577]

Agreed country first and last

[@user-jp4tl9zd8n]

@@deedub577 this song is for all military force members around the world 🌍😀❤️😭😂😘😀

[@patriciarowe6685]

❤❤❤❤

[@c12jpilot65]

I’m a Scottish American family (grandfather ) move here but this song gives me pride for the motherland. And my ties to the Uk. Maj. Norwood USAR/AV

[@ChetValleyChurches]

😊

[@arfermo853]

Beautiful Christian song

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Amen. 🙏

[@yvonnewilliams8919]

Beautiful. This brings tears to my eyes.

[@stevelind4844]

The melody comes from the Jupiter movement of Gustav Holst's "The Planet", which is where I heard - and loved it - first. Holst referred to a variant (hymn) of the tune as "Thaxted", the name of the village where he lived. I had the organist play it as the recessional at my wedding and still regret not going in person to thank him. The implicit call to honor vows and strive in service to something greater than oneself did not need words. Even so, I cherish the hymn and can barely sing it to myself without tearing up. Thank you, Mr. Holst.

[@BunnyLo]

This always makes me cry. I needed to hear this beautiful song again

[@ChetValleyChurches]

That's lovely, Bunny. 😊

[@marsyl12]

My uncle was in the RAF during ww2 and he gave his life in his plane shot down after a mission bombing Berlin. He was only 25 and we were British colony in those years. I love this beautiful patriotic song. ..

[@vapaus831]

🙏

[@elaineyoung9672]

Why don't we sing this instead of God save the king?

[@mamabjoe]

I am so happy to find this. I new it only as Poem when my elder sister use to chant it always at home. She even won a prize in her Primary school then far back in the early 60s in Nigeria.

[@ChetValleyChurches]

We are glad we could help, Josephine. 😊

[@cjmartinez8318]

Love this song, from Philippines! ❤️🇵🇭

[@ChetValleyChurches]

That's great. Greetings from South Norfolk in the UK. 🙂

[@user-cy9lw8ed5n]

I love this song so much

[@NP-ui3tr]

I admire you Brit’s so damn much. Your quiet dignity & grace is so worthy of admiration & respect Forged in the maelstrom of the Great Wars & during the dark darkest days of the Blitz; it’s as tho this has made an indelible mark on your collective “DNA” Peace & love Your American cousin

[@jennylynlatigayofficialcha2258]

I’m also from the Philippines...🇵🇭 and I really appreciate this song. Very fit for our health workers who is in the frontline of fighting against Corona Virus. Thank you uploader for sharing this. Keep safe and God bless you...

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Greetings from Norfolk in England. Lovely to hear from you; so pleased you like the song. 😊😊

[@michaelriordan8265]

God Bless you in the Philippines

[@angeloseraspi8500]

Same here ..

[@cathybennett2415]

Beautiful. Prayers flying up today for HM The Queen 08/09/2022 🙏🥺 A lifetime of service - Rest in eternal peace. Now reunited with your loving husband 💜

[@bobking39]

may Providence welcome HM The Queen home. Her Work is done. Rest in Eternal Peace.

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Amen. 😊🙏

[@user-ie1kd9of4w]

What everyone hopes their country will be....a BEAUTIFUL hymn....!

[@ChetValleyChurches]

😊🙏

[@Me-nobodyspecial]

I'm a Scot but this fills my heart and my eyes.

[@chemgota]

I am from the Russian Far East and I enjoy this music.

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Excellent. We're so pleased you enjoyed it. 😊😊

[@carolinewhitaker967]

And there's another country, spirit! Let there be peace reunited with loved ones 🕊️

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Indeed, Caroline. 🙏

[@daveharvey8460]

I'm a proud Englishmen and this hymn sums up how I feel about this country and it's people

[@lucyhernandez2163]

I'm not from England but this hymn is Amazing.

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Thanks, Lucy. 🙏

[@justinvaldez4414]

I am from Philippines and I enjoy this.

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Excellent. 😍😍

[@lindal3966]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Our pleasure!

[@eatiegourmet1015]

First heard this 40+ yrs ago. Always found the music very moving.

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Indeed. 🙏

[@talkloudmedia]

I'm from Jamaica and we have a similar song that was inspired by this , ( I pledge my heart )

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Thanks for sharing this. 😊

[@talkloudmedia]

@@ChetValleyChurches 🤣 the crown brought me here , was confused for a sec when I hear the song in season 1 , same Melody

[@tanemarsh133]

Thanks, im Jamaican too and i was trying to recall because i was sure we had something inspired by this... i absolutely love this song and also the inspired one... they just bring a vibe like no other!

[@johnhawksworth6009]

It doesn't matter we're you come from its the words that counts they are God's words. Amen.

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Amen, John. 🙏

[@dalekenworthy4537]

They are Cecil Spring Rice's words, Music by Gustav Holst inspired by Jupiter. So you're right at least one of the sky gods had an influence.

[@burkey548]

BEYOND AMAZING

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Thank you. ☺️

[@michaelriordan8265]

I'm so Glad that I live in England, I feel pasion and sorow for the poor people of this worf

[@ChetValleyChurches]

😊

[@agrowira]

Suddenly my coffee turn into tea

[@ChetValleyChurches]

😊

[@goodmansmotorhomes]

Lovely song❤

[@goodmansmotorhomes]

I’m from England

[@ChetValleyChurches]

😊🙏

[@alphonso1826]

wow just wow this song made me cry

[@ChetValleyChurches]

🙏🙏

[@vapaus831]

🙏

[@oishee_jg]

Hi I am from Bangladesh 🇧🇩 I am here after watching Korean Drama "Again My Life" 😍💓 this awesome music is used there

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Wow! 😀😀

[@safeplacetoland1117]

I love this❤

[@xfoxplay8927]

I am from Germany, its great

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Excellent. 🙂

[@jeslyny9692]

I am from Singapore but my heavenly home is in heaven

[@ChetValleyChurches]

😊

[@celinerodney1497]

I’m from Barbados 🇧🇧 where this song was played for our first independence my principal said bc I have only been around for 10 independence

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Thank you for sharing this, Celine. 😊

[@celinerodney1497]

@@ChetValleyChurches your welcome

[@aviation4326]

Touching....

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Excellent. 😊

[@exsaxpommernjung]

Every year, at the beginning of September, I wait for this anthem. It is an integral part of the "The Last Night of The Proms" from the Royal Albert Hall in London. For over 30 years I have been watching the television broadcast every year. Greetings from the island of Rügen, NE-Germany. In jedem Jahr, Anfang September, warte ich auf diese Hymne. Sie ist fester Bestandteil der „The Last Night of The Proms“ aus der Royal-Albert-Hall in London. Seit über 30 Jahren sehe ich die Fernsehübertragung jedes Jahr. Viele Grüße von der Insel Rügen, NE-Germany.

[@patrioticarchive]

Very nice

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Thank you. 😄

[@dianabarber8566]

This should be our Nation Anthem.

[@ChetValleyChurches]

😊

[@tonybarde2572]

RIP Diana, Princess of Wales 1961-1997 Taken from us to soon in a tragic accident

[@ChetValleyChurches]

😭

[@tonybarde2572]

@@ChetValleyChurches She really was a candle in the wind

[@deimantelive8908]

wow...

[@ChetValleyChurches]

👍

[@TrimTrimmer]

It wouldn’t be British to have this as our national anthem, it’s too meaningful too patriotic. I’d rather we ask a God we don’t believe in to save a King that we let reign, songs like this are special enough without being our anthem. Beautiful lyrics though, it does make you proud. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🫡🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@oyongski1]

I'm from the Philippines, and I wish the British pressed on to wrestle Manila and the whole Philippines from the Spaniards. The uber religious Spanish are so far inferior from the British from education, military skills to pageantry. This inspiring song is just one of them.

[@ChetValleyChurches]

We're glad you like our video, Michael. We prefer to be positive and respectful to others, even when we don't agree with everything they say or do. 😊

[@yasus28]

Really? Listen to Sashi Tarroor at Oxford Union debate. "Does GB owe reparations to India". Very revealing!

[@geoffreyking4515]

Should be the national anthem

[@ChetValleyChurches]

😊

[@strasbourg_fan2912]

I am From Bangladesh 🇧🇩 U Know Yash Or Josh Storm Is Coming To The Bangladesh Country and Storm Is Moving From Bay Of Bangle To Bangladesh So Bless for All Of Us. Any Way Where Was I? Oh ok I Am From Bangladesh 🇧🇩 And I Love To Hear That Music And I Am Now try To Learn...............:)

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Greetings to Bangladesh from South Norfolk in the UK. 😊

[@strasbourg_fan2912]

@@ChetValleyChurches Thank You For Replying Me :::::::))))))

[@bultaoreunne4495]

Hello mate, me also from Bangladesh 🇧🇩.

[@nonhlanhlakunene4921]

This should be the anthem for the British and Irish lions. # Springbok supporter

[@ChetValleyChurches]

😊

[@omercanyldz112]

İ'm from turkey🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Good to hear from you. Greetings from Norfolk in the UK. 😊

[@GaryTaylor-gp2qc]

To everyone who values the british and english culture and country who lives in another place , i'd suggest you visit asap and avoid big cities ( except for landmarks and attractions ) because england is changing beyond recognition , english culture is being eroded rapidly by elites , and those that wish to destroy it , it has caught us offguard and we are struggling to contain it ,come and enjoy before it is gone forever

[@hlubideetz7614]

Why is it that South Africa's Anthem sounds almost identical to this song?

[@lizanoguera6436]

R.I.P Wheelcity’s Airbus A390 - 200

[@McCann22]

Rule Britannia 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@ChetValleyChurches]

😊 St George's Day today.

[@dippey]

Missing second verse : "I heard my country calling, away across the sea, Across the waste of waters she calls and calls to me; Her sword is girded at her side, her helmet on hear head; And round her feet are lying the dying and the dead; I hear the noise of battle, the thunder of her guns, I haste to thee my mother, a son among her sons."

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Hi David, thanks for this. It appears that the verse you quoted is not actually the 'missing second verse' but the original first verse, written in about 1908. In 1918 Sir Cecil Spring Rice rewrote the first verse of 'Urbs Dei' and replaced it with the version we have in the hymn. According to his granddaughter, Caroline Kenny, the two verses were never meant to be read or sung together.

[@yasus28]

Caroline king is so right the expunged two verses contradicts the sentiments of peace of the version so popular today. Swords and helmets conjure up the plundering of most of the world by former colonizers led by GB.

[@yvonnewilliams8919]

Where is Chet Valley?

[@ChetValleyChurches]

The Chet Valley is in South Norfolk. The benefice comprises the parishes of Chedgrave, Hardley, Langley, Loddon with Hales & Heckingham, and Sisland.

[@yvonnewilliams8919]

@@ChetValleyChurches Thank you. What denomination are you?

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Church of England.

[@cudds6190]

What is happening to my country it seams the whole world is laughing . French keep sending people in boats saying they are trying to stop them we have giving them millions of pounds but they keep coming the french will keep taking the money and snigger behind are backs . A conservative government how totally trash are standing in the world. Labour god help us if they get into power I cannot see a answer. So when I hear I vow to thee my country I can only hope god bless my country

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Trust in the Lord. 🙏

[@richardprescott6322]

Should be British national anthem - English anthem being Jerusalem

[@ronoliver3317]

+

[@ronoliver3317]

As a member of the Northampton Male Voice Choir, Baritone Section we performed at our”Last night of the proms” concert last Saturday 25th September and the tear it brought to my eye and feeling of elation was one of great joy and being so proud to sing this truly beautiful song.

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Wonderful. 😊

[@joebg47]

beautifully sung; but has any other person except me thought the words make bad poetry? The verses seem filled with cliches (eg: pay the price) and forced rhymes. The music, however, is entirely different; absolutely gorgeous.

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Perhaps a bit sentimental...

[@kenperry6379]

I'm English and this is my core

[@Viv1398]

@@kenperry6379 NO, I love it all, the words and the music. It is beautiful.

[@kenperry6379]

@@Viv1398 ? I said its my core, in other words it is the center of being english

[@janefreer4707]

It isn’t written as poetry but as a sacred oath.

[@markb7614]

This is a hymn written by an American. I'm not sure why there's so much anglophileic simping in the comments

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Actually, Mark, it was written by Sir Cecil Spring Rice a who came from an aristocratic Anglo-Irish family. He was brought up in the Lake District and went to Eton and Baliol College, Oxford. In 1912 he was appointed British ambassador to the United States a post he held until he was recalled in 1918. He wrote two versions of these verses, the second, less bellicose, version being the one used in the hymn.

[@markb7614]

@@ChetValleyChurches I stand corrected

[@josepinheiro8774]

Try to convince me why this isn't the national anthem and fail as miserably as a cockroach trying to turn back on it's feet

[@elaineyoung9672]

And i think better than Jerusalem.

[@bruce8429]

I wonder why this controversial melody is played in the US where William Penn escaped to be free of Royal Tyranny. Under the divine right of Kings one died for his King (who stood in for God). One swears to the death for the King. It is a patriotic song but should NOT be presented as a hymn where God does not equal country. We have separation of church and state here for precisely that reason.

[@ChetValleyChurches]

The melody isn't really very controversial. It was originally written for Holt's 'The Planets' and only later used for this song. The words were written by an Englishman after the first World War. What he wanted to say was that people owe allegiance to both their country and to God. We suspect that you may disagree with this sentiment? As far as we know, the notion of the divine right of kings had actually pretty much disappeared from British society well before Penn and the others went to America.

[@bruce8429]

So you support England telling Penn he couldn't practice his religion contrary to God/England/churchofEngland?

[@ChetValleyChurches]

Not at all. We are absolutely in favour of religious freedom. 😄

[@DavidAGIII]

I also wonder why you play this, Scotland the Brave and Land of Hope and Glory among many other British cultural songs. Could it be because you have no identity of your own and insist on stealing everyone else's?

[@bruce8429]

For the record I'm only here for the reason Mark Twain's war prayer was written kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYe8eoWYot17psU That British song with Holst's music sometimes wrongly called a hymn gets under my skin when its foolishly presented in America. Have no opinion on other nationalist songs.