Florida State Songs

Florida state songs Adopted: 1913, 1935, 2008

1913 - Florida's first state song: sunkissed land and phosphate mines

Florida's first official state song, "Florida, My Florida," was adopted in 1913. It was superceded by "S'wanee River (Old Folks at Home)" in 1935.

1935 - Florida's second state song: longing for de old plantation

Though not necessarily seen in this light at the time, the words to "S'wanee River (Old Folks at Home)" implied racism and subjugation of the African-American population of the United States. Over time, increasing numbers of people found the song lyric offensive and unsuitable. It was superceded in 2008 by a version with revised title and words.

2008 - A pinch of bitterness and a land of flowers, mockingbirds, gators, where the sawgrass meets the sky

In 2008, "Old Folks at Home," was adopted as Florida's official state song replacing "The S'wanee River (Old Folks at Home)". In fact, "Old Folks at Home" is simply a lyrically revised version of 1935's "The S'wanee River (Old Folks at Home)."

Also in 2008, "Florida (Where the Sawgrass Meets the Sky)," winning entry in a state song contest, was adopted as Florida's official state anthem.

At this time, , Florida has one official state song and one official state anthem.

	1913	1935	2008
Official Florida songs and their titles 1913-
"Florida, My Florida"	State song
"The S'wanee River (Old Folks at home)"		State song
"Old Folks at Home" (Revised lyrics)			State song
"Florida (Where the Sawgrass Meets the Sky)"			State anthem

Additional Information

State songs: Complete list of official state songs from NETSTATE.COM

More symbols & emblems: Complete list of official Florida state symbols from NETSTATE.COM.

State Songs
of America
Michael J. Bristow

State Songs of America, by Michael J. Bristow. 185 pages. Publisher: Greenwood (February 28, 2000)

State Songs of America provides the music and lyrics for the official songs adopted by the state governments. Arranged alphabetically by state, each song has a single vocal line over a piano accompaniment, with one verse only under the vocal line and remaining verses appearing separately. Each entry includes the date the song was adopted, the name of the composer, and in some instances, a brief history of the song. The book will be a useful reference for those wanting to perform a state song or to find the official songs of other states. Keep in mind that this book was published in 2000 and does not contain later adoptions.

State Songs:
Anthems and Their Origins
John Hladczuk
Sharon Schneider Hladczuk

State Songs: Anthems and Their Origins, by John Hladczuk, Sharon Schneider Hladczuk. 240 pages. Publisher: Scarecrow Press (September 26, 2000)

State Songs: Anthems and Their Origins is a tremendous resource, from which readers will gain insight into the heritage of American statehood. Histories of these songs, biographical information about the composers and lyricists, and background on each song's entrance into status as "official" make this source the most comprehensive in existence. The entries include sheet music, allowing readers to reproduce for themselves the tunes that have proved so important in the history of the Union. Music teachers, history teachers, librarians, and anyone else interested in learning more about the United States will not want to be without State Songs. Organized alphabetically by state. Keep in mind that this book was published in 2000 and does not contain later adoptions.