Change State Songs

Following is a list of states whose official State Songs make religious references. It would be a very rare instance that would give anyone legal standing to challenge these in court but if you live in one of these states you may be able to find a more appropriate alternative and suggest the change to your state representative.

• Alabama - No alternatives to suggest at this time.


• Arizona - Has a State Song which references God and an Alternate State Anthem which does not.


• Arkansas - As designated under title 1 chapter 4 section 116 the state has one state anthem; "Arkansas", two state songs; "Arkansas (You Run Deep In Me)" and "Oh, Arkansas" and one historical song; The Arkansas Traveler which was the Arkansas state song from 1949 to 1963. Of these four, only "Arkansas (You Run Deep In Me)" has overtly religious lyrics. The state could get by with one less official song.


• Montana - has a state song; "Montana" and a state ballad; "Montana Melody". Ask your representative to have the ballad dropped.


• Nebraska - The state song "Beautiful Nebraska" speaks of nature as being "by the Master's hand." No alternatives to suggest at this time.


• New Hampshire - The religious state song should be replaced by one of the eight "honorary state songs". The lyrics of these eight need to be researched yet.


• North Carolina - No alternatives to suggest at this time.


• North Dakota - No alternatives to suggest at this time.


• Pennsylvania - The state song claims that the state was "Blessed by God's own hand". Suggest the "Pennsylvania Polka"


• South Carolina - Mentions prayer, suggest a change to "Just A Little Bit South Of North Carolina".


• Tennessee - The state has 6 official songs. Two of these songs, "My Tennessee" and "Tennessee", contain religious references. Suggest dropping these two and trying to get by with just 4.


• Texas - This state song has proclaimed "God bless you Texas!" since 1929. No alternatives to suggest at this time.


• Utah - The government of Utah would like all citizens to sing out that Utah has been "Blessed from Heaven above." No alternatives to suggest at this time.


• Washington - Native Americans love to hear other folks sing the first line of Washington state's official song; "This is my country; God gave it to me" No alternatives to suggest at this time.


• West Virginia - There are 3 songs of West Virginia; "West Virginia Hills", "West Virginia, My Home" and "This is My West Virginia." Lyrics to the first contain religious references. Lyrics to the second do not and the lyrics to the third are unknown. Suggest dropping "West Virginia Hills".


• Wisconsin - Even in as short a song as "On Wisconsin", they couldn't leave God out?
  

The information on this site is based in part on the author's non-professional understanding of U.S. laws concerning separation of church and state and other matters.
Nothing on this website is intended, nor should it be construed, as legal advice.