Hearts of England

This anthem for tenor soloist, choir and orchestra was written as the English team’s anthem for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.  The words by Patrick’s brother Andrew and the stirring melody combine to create a patriotic piece designed to inspire the English team and their supporters.  The main idea was to encapsulate the “traditions and heartlands of rugby league in this country as well as evoking the heroism and commitment of international teams competing on the world sporting stage”.

Written for tenor Jonathan Ansell, the piece premiered at rugby league’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 30 August 2008 and went on to be performed live before England’s World Cup matches in Australia.

By the sea’s rolling tide;
By the wide penine sky;
By the skill found in
shipyard and mine;
By raw courage and love
when the journey is rough,
the hearts of England are made.

By bonds thicker than blood,
binding evil with good;
By the strength both of
family and home;
In the furnace of hope
on the anvil of will
the hearts of England are made.

Stand up men of steel
and let all the world feel
the skill of your hand
and your eye:
By sweet victory in game,
by faith and through pain
the hearts of England are made.

Words: Andrew Hawes (1954 –   )