The Song of Iowa

"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]

The Song of Iowa
Regional anthem of  Iowa
LyricsS. H. M. Byers, 1867
MusicMelchior Franck, 1615
AdoptedMarch 1911
Audio sample
"The Song of Iowa" (instrumental)
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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
  1. John Hladczuk and Sharon Scheider Hladczuk. State Songs and Their Origins. (Scarecrow Press: Lanham, Maryland, 2000), p. 65
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