The Song of Iowa
Regional anthem of  Iowa | |
| Lyrics | S. H. M. Byers, 1867 |
|---|---|
| Music | Melchior Franck, 1615 |
| Adopted | March 1911 |
| Audio sample | |
"The Song of Iowa" (instrumental) | |
"The Song of Iowa" is the regional anthem of the U.S. state of Iowa, written by S. H. M. Byers in 1867 and adopted as the official state song by the Iowa State Legislature on March 20, 1911. The song is set to the tune "O Tannenbaum" and Byres' lyrics' theme is centered on his love and praise for Iowa.[1]
Lyrics
You asked what land I love the best,
tis Iowa, tis Iowa,
The fairest State of all the west,
tis Iowa, O! Iowa,
From yonder Mississippi's stream
To where Missouri's waters gleam
O! fair it is as poet's dream,
O! Iowa, In Iowa.
Go read the story of thy past.
O! Iowa, O! Iowa,
What glorious deeds, what fame thou hast!
O! Iowa, O! Iowa,
So long as time's great cycle runs,
Or nations weep their fallen ones
Thou'lt not forget thy patriot sons,
O! Iowa, O! Iowa.
References
- ^ John Hladczuk and Sharon Scheider Hladczuk. State Songs and Their Origins. (Scarecrow Press: Lanham, Maryland, 2000), p. 65
- Iowa Official Register 1997-1998, pg. 7
- 50states [1]
- Sheet Music on IMSLP