Our anthem
The Rotary Song Service Above Self.
The story of Rotary, from Room 711 in Chicago to the whole wide world, in song.
The Rotary Song
Rotary Fellowship for Community Sports and Leadership
The recording is coming soon. In the meantime, sing along with the lyrics.
Chorus
Service Above Self – Our guiding call each day,
Together in fellowship, we light the better way.
From Chicago to the whole wide world, our hearts in one accord,
Rotary forever, united in serving communities. (×2)
Verse 1
Twenty-third February, nineteen hundred five,
Four friends met in Chicago with a dream to keep alive.
In Room Seven-Eleven they pledged heart and hand,
To build a bond of fellowship that soon would cross each land.
Chorus
Service Above Self – Our guiding call each day,
Together in fellowship, we light the better way.
From Chicago to the whole wide world, our hearts in one accord,
Rotary forever, united in serving communities. (×2)
Verse 2
Paul Harris gave the vision that united every trade,
Schiele led with wisdom as the first club president made.
Loehr opened his office where the first meeting began,
Shorey served with diligence to help fulfill the plan.
Chorus
Repeat chorus
Verse 3
Harry Ruggles joined them, known as Rotary's fifth friend,
He brought the joy of singing that has echoed without end.
When meetings lost their spirit, he raised every voice in song,
Reminding all that fellowship is what makes Rotary strong.
Chorus
Repeat chorus
Bridge
To serve humanity, and always do what's right
Keeping meetings rotating
To serve humanity, and always do what's right
Gave Rotary its name
To serve humanity, and always do what's right
A legacy well kept
To serve humanity, and always do what's right
Today and every day, we still gather
In setting, in truth, in life
To serve humanity, and always do what's right
Sebene
To serve humanity, and always do what's right
We salute the first African presidents:
Yinka Babalola, Jonathan Majiyegbe, and Sam Owori (×2)
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