Northern Mariana Islands Territory Song

"Gi Talo Gi Halom Tasi (In the Middle of the Sea, Is Where My Home Is)" Lyrics: Jose S. Pangelinan Music: Wilhelm Ganzhorn Adoption: 1996 HISTORY The government of the Northern Mariana Islands amended its constitution in 1996 to make "Gi Talo Gi Halom Tasi" the commonwealth's official song. (As a territory of the United States, the official national anthem is the "Star Spangled Banner.") The Marianan anthem is also known as "Satil Matawal Pacifico" in Carolinian. Its lyrics describe a Marianan's love for the territory and pledge, "I can never leave you, O land of mine." The melody of the song is taken from the German folksong "Im Schonsten Wiezengrunde" ("In My Beautiful Green Meadow"), in part due to the fact that the islands were once owned by Germany. There are both Carolinian and Chamoru lyrics. The Chamoru lyrics, by Jose S. Pangelinan, were composed first; the Carolinian version, by David Peter, was adopted after the anthem became official. LYRICS "Gi Talo Gi Halom Tasi (In the Middle of the Sea, Is Where My Home Is)" Gi talo gi halom tåsi Nai gaige tano-hu Ayu nai siempre hu såga Malagu' ho Ya un dia bai hu hånåo Bai fåtto ha' ta'lo Ti sina håo hu dingo O tano-ho Chorus:Mit beses yan mås Hu saluda håo Gatbo na islas Mariånas Hu tuna håo Carolinian (Refalawasch) Lyrics Satil matawal Pacifico Igha elo faluweey iye Ighilal igha ebwe lootiw Tipeey iye Eew raal nge ibwe mwetesangi Nge ibwal sefaalitiiy Ese mmwel bwe ibwe lighiti Bwe falaweey Chorus:Sangaras faal bwughuwal Ay tirow ngalugh Ling ghatchul teel Faluw Mariånas Ay Mwareiti. English Translation In the middle of the sea Is where my home is That is where I will spend my days It is my desire If I ever leave this place One day I will return For I can never leave you O land of mine Chorus: A thousand times and more I will honor and salute you Beautiful islands of the Marianas Glory be to you.