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The Rhode Island State Song

Rhode Island's It For Me

words by Charlie Hull and music by Maria Day
arranged by Kathryn Chester

    I’ve been to every state we have,
    and I think I’m inclined to say
    that Rhody stole my heart:
    You can keep the forty-nine.

    Herring gulls that dot the sky,
    blue waves that paint the rocks,
    water rich with Neptune’s life,
    the boats that line the docks.
    I see the lighthouse flickering
    to help the sailors see.
    There’s a place for everyone:
    Rhode Island’s It for Me.

    Rhode Island, oh Rhode Island
    surrounded by the sea.
    Some people roam the earth for home;
    Rhode Island’s It for Me.

    I love the fresh October days,
    the buzz on College Hill,
    art that moves an eye to tear,
    a jewelers special skill.
    Icicles refract the sun,
    snow falling gracefully.
    Some search for a place that’s warm:
    Rhode Island’s It for Me!

    Rhode Island, oh Rhode Island
    surrounded by the sea.
    Some people roam the earth for home;
    Rhode Island’s It for Me.

    The skyline piercing Providence,
    the State House dome so rare.
    residents who speak their minds;
    no longer unaware!
    Roger Williams would be proud to see his colony,
    so don’t sell short this precious port:
    Rhode Island’s It for Me!

    Rhode Island, oh Rhode Island
    surrounded by the sea.
    Some people roam the earth for home;
    Rhode Island’s It for Me.

    Rhode Island, oh Rhode Island
    surrounded by the sea.
    Some people roam the earth for home;
    Rhode Island’s It for Me.

Adoption of the State Song

The song, "Rhode Island's It For Me", words by Charlie Hull, music by Maria Day and arranged by Kathryn Chester, was adopted by the General Assembly as the official state song of Rhode Island in 1996. It replaced "Rhode Island" by T. Clarke Browne, which had been the state song for over 50 years. "Rhode Island" was not discarded, however. It was re-designated as Rhode Island's official state march.

Rhode Island General Laws

The following information is excerpted from the Rhode Island General Laws, Title 42, Chapter 42-4, Section 42-4-4. The words to the song are included within the statute.

TITLE 42. STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT
CHAPTER 42-4. STATE EMBLEMS
SECTION 42-4-4. STATE SONG

§ 42-4-4 State song. a) The song entitled "Rhode Island's It for Me," words by Charlie Hall, music by Maria Day and arrangement by Kathryn Chester, shall be and is hereby established as and declared to be the state song.

(b) The words and musical presentation of the state song shall be as follows:

    I’ve been to every state we have,
    and I think I’m inclined to say
    that Rhody stole my heart:
    You can keep the forty-nine.

    Herring gulls that dot the sky,
    blue waves that paint the rocks,
    water rich with Neptune’s life,
    the boats that line the docks.
    I see the lighthouse flickering
    to help the sailors see.
    There’s a place for everyone:
    Rhode Island’s It for Me.

    Rhode Island, oh Rhode Island
    surrounded by the sea.
    Some people roam the earth for home;
    Rhode Island’s It for Me.

    I love the fresh October days,
    the buzz on College Hill,
    art that moves an eye to tear,
    a jewelers special skill.
    Icicles refract the sun,
    snow falling gracefully.
    Some search for a place that’s warm:
    Rhode Island’s It for Me!

    Rhode Island, oh Rhode Island
    surrounded by the sea.
    Some people roam the earth for home;
    Rhode Island’s It for Me.

    The skyline piercing Providence,
    the State House dome so rare.
    residents who speak their minds;
    no longer unaware!
    Roger Williams would be proud to see his colony,
    so don’t sell short this precious port:
    Rhode Island’s It for Me!

    Rhode Island, oh Rhode Island
    surrounded by the sea.
    Some people roam the earth for home;
    Rhode Island’s It for Me.

    Rhode Island, oh Rhode Island
    surrounded by the sea.
    Some people roam the earth for home;
    Rhode Island’s It for Me.

Source: Rhode Island General Assembly, (http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/), December 4, 2004
Source: State Names, Seals, Flags, and Symbols by Benjamin F. Shearer and Barbara S. Shearer, Copyright 2002
Source: State Songs America, Edited by M.J. Bristow, Copyright 2000

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