“Texas, Our Texas,” is the official state song of Texas, adopted by the 41st Legislature after a state-wide contest in 1929. The music was originally written in 1924 by William J. Marsh from Fort Worth, and the lyrics were written by Marsh and Gladys Yoakum Wright. Older songs, like “Dixie” and “The Yellow Rose of Texas” were also considered, but it was decided that a new song must be composed.
The song is performed at state functions, schools, and football games. When Alaska got its statehood in 1959, the Texas state song needed a slight revision, modifying the line “largest and grandest” to “boldest and grandest.” This was because Alaska became the largest US state when it was admitted to the country that year. The 73rd Legislature in 1993 again adopted “Texas, Our Texas” as the state song.
The state song is composed of three verses and a chorus, as follows:
Texas, Our Texas! All hail the mighty State!
Texas, Our Texas! So wonderful so great!
boldest and grandest, withstanding ev’ry test
O Empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest.
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
Texas, O Texas! your freeborn single star,
Sends out its radiance to nations near and far,
Emblem of Freedom! it sets our hearts aglow,
With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo.
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
Texas, dear Texas! From tyrant grip now free,
Shine forth in splendor your star of destiny
Mother of heroes, we come your children true.
Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you.
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
This song is usually played and sung before the national anthem, with a display of the flag. All individuals present, except those in uniform, must stand at attention facing the flag, with the right hand over the heart. Men and women in uniform must salute at the first note of the song and retain this position until the last note. People who are wearing hats or any kind of headdress that is easily removable must remove it with their right hand, and hold it at the left shoulder, keeping the hand over the heart.
When a flag is absent, those present are expected to face towards the music and act like they would if a flag was present. Non-Texans should simply stand at attention.
The state song was usually sung by elementary students in Texas before classes began during the 1950s. It was still sung before classes in some schools until late 1980s, along with the pledge to the US and Texan flags.
