This problem of finding music and words to stir the soul is, perhaps surprisingly, an issue here in Jersey. Through circumstances which are not entirely transparent, we seem to have found ourselves in possession of an anthem that has failed to capture the essence of the Island or win many friends among Islanders.
No one would doubt the outstanding musical ability of our official anthem’s composer and lyricist, Gerard Le Feuvre, but there have been extraordinarily blatant signs that in this case he has missed the mark. When, addressing the States this week, Deputy Jeremy Maçon said that it was time to ‘scrap the dirge’, his remark was met not by outrage from his fellow Members but by laughter, shouts of ‘Yes!’ and foot-stamping, the traditional sign of States approval.
No survey of popular opinion on the anthem has been conducted, but Honest Nev would doubtless offer odds that reflected the likelihood of a thumbs-down verdict if the question were ever put. But what could be done if it were decided that the anthem should be put on the shelf and quietly forgotten – which is liable to happen unofficially even if the official position is that its status must stand?
There are two obvious answers, the first of which is to elevate Beautiful Jersey to what many would regard as its rightful position. At last weekend’s Liberation celebration the song was, as on so many occasions, showcased by Sadie Rennard. Her performance was touching, entirely appropriate for the occasion and utterly charming. However, although Beautiful Jersey ticks many of the boxes – having, for instance, lyrics in English and Jersey-Norman French and a sing-along tune – it might be just a little too sentimental for modern tastes.
The ultimate answer, therefore, could be an old favourite that can hardly be surpassed as a piece of inspirational music: Ma Normandie. The trouble is that it is their Normandie rather than ours, though the ancient links between this Island and the cousins across the water hardly need spelling out.
But there is a simple answer to this problem, at least in principle. Let us borrow the enchanting melody and stage a competition among Islanders to write a lyric that would reflect not only our heritage, but also the dynamism, strength and beauty of present-day Jersey.
