"World in Union"

"World in Union", with lyrics by Charlie Skarbek, is a theme song for the Rugby World Cup that attempts to capture the spirit of international friendship which pervades rugby union culture the world over.
The melody is "Thaxted" — the stately theme from the middle section of "Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity", a movement from Gustav Holst’s "The Planets". (from Wikipedia)

There's something special about Rugby. I love it. I'm far more familiar with the international game than club rugby, but I really don't think there is another sport quite like it: the brutality, physicality, fitness, and skill; the passion, ambition, blood, sweat and tears; the inherent respect for the referee, the sight of people working together in such tight units... I could go on!

And then there's the fan culture, more akin to crickets than football, with the conflict staying on the pitch, pints being consumed alongside rival fans, and the love for the game triumphing over anything else.

The other factor that comes into play in the international scene is the pride for country, the tribal dances, and the national anthems.

"World in Union" is a fitting anthem for bringing it all together

There are a completely different set of reflections to be made about individual anthems, including the poignancy of the Irish anthem for an Ireland standing tall together, the benefits of having God save our Queen, not to mention the antagonistic tones of "Flower of Scotland".

But this hymn, because that's pretty much what it is, is beautiful:

What a world that would be!
Can you imagine it?
What if the world adopted it as an anthem, instead of asking God to bless just one country, or unite just two (or indeed have an anthem that just sticks two fingers up at their southern neighbours!)?

Personally, I can't help but hear Kingdom overtones throughout it, as if they've captured the very essence of what Jesus came to preach and do.

​Roll on the new age!

Lyrics:
​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
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
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
That’s 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