The Great Southlands of the Holy Spirit (the song)

Many people know and love the song by Geoff Bullock, "The Great Southland of the Holy Spirit". It was inspired by the declaration of Pedro Ferdandez de Quiros when he prophesied that this unknown land to the South of where he was standing (Espiritu Santo) would be terra australis de Espiritu Santo, the southlands of the Holy Spirit.

The popular understanding is that this refers to Australia because of the term "australis". However, Pedro Ferdandez de Quiros was referring to all the lands and islands from his vantage point in Vanuatu to the South Pole. So the prophecy is more incusive than only referring to Australia.

Geoff Bullock has written new words to his song (using the same tune) to include the nations of the area that are included in the prophecy.

The Great Southlands (Regional Version)

Geoff Bullock.
Music ©: 1991 Word Music
Words ©: 2006 Geoff Bullock
Used by permission

These are Your nations, These are Your lands
Our common future and our shared hope
These lands of reaping, these lands of harvest,
These are Your lands, these lands -- our home.

Chorus:
These are the Great South Lands
of the Holy Spirit.
From lands of red dust plains
to Island rains,
And in these sun-drenched lands we have seen Your love,
And to these Great South Lands
Your Spirit’s come. 

These are Your nations, These are Your lands,
These lands of plenty, These lands of hope.
The richest harvests are in their peoples
From age to age Your Spirit’s come.

Chorus:
These are the Great South Lands
of the Holy Spirit.
From lands of red dust plains
to Island rains,
And in these sun-drenched lands we have seen Your love,
And to these Great South Lands
Your Spirit’s come. 

These are Your nations, These are Your lands,
These blessed countries of dreams revived.
And to Your people we see a harvest
And to these lands, Your Spirit’s come.

Chorus:
These are the Great South Lands
of the Holy Spirit.
From lands of red dust plains
to Island rains,
And in these sun-drenched lands we have seen Your love,
And to these Great South Lands
Your Spirit’s come.