Given the country’s comparatively small size, much has been said about Jamaica’s remarkable accomplishments, especially in music and sports. Singer Clement Gordon believes if his homeland were the size of New York it would be a super power.

That is the theme for Rule The World, a patriotic ode to Jamaica, which was released August 5. It is written and produced by his long-time friend Leroy Brown.

“It is true, if Jamaica was the size of New York we would rule di world. We have something everyone gravitate to,” said Gordon. “We are humble, caring, and giving, but don’t cross us!”

He recorded the song with entering the Festival Song Competition in mind. Although disappointed it did not make the cut, he decided to release it to celebrate Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence.

Born in Kingston, Gordon has lived in Canada and the United States since the 1970s. He was part of the emerging Toronto reggae scene late that decade, but most of his years abroad have been in Michigan.

Living overseas has made him appreciate his country even more.

“Everybody need to cut di foolishness an’ get together. Sixty years is a blessing,” Gordon noted.

While he had been around the music business since 1969, Gordon did not make his recording debut until the 1980s. During that decade, he released a number of songs, including Better Days, Darling Ooh, and This Old Heart of Mine.

In the past six years, Gordon has spent extended periods in Jamaica, recording and writing songs mainly with Brown, a veteran singer who also made his name in Canadian reggae circles in the 1970s and 1980s.

With Rule The World, he hopes to revive a sense of national pride among Jamaicans who may have lost faith in their country.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that if Jamaicans could appreciate dem country, more things would improve,” said Gordon.