World in Union – 1st heard at 1991 Rugby World Cup performed by legendary New Zealand soprano, Kiri Te Kanawa.
Main melody is called ‘Thaxted’. From mid-section of ‘Jupiter, Bringer of Jollity’, joyous movement from Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite ‘The Planets‘.
In 1991, composer Charlie Skarbek was commissioned by World Rugby to create an anthem to capture spirit, values of the game.
There’s a dream, I feel
So rare, so real
All the world in union
The world as one
Gathering together
One mind, one heart
Every creed, every colour
Once joined, never apart
Searching for the best in me
I will find what I can be
If I win, lose or draw
There’s a winner in us all
It’s the world in union
The world as one
As we climb to reach our destiny
A new age has begun
We may face high mountains
Must cross rough seas
We must take our place in history
And live with dignity
Just to be the best I can
Sets the goal for every man
If I win, lose or draw
It’s a victory for all
It’s the world in union
The world as one
As we climb to reach our destiny
A new age has begun
It’s the world
The world in union
A new age has begun