quote:Originally posted by JaneYIS:
Here's the first verse to our current state song:
Alabama, Alabama,
We will aye be true to thee,
From thy Southern shore where groweth,
By the sea thine orange tree.
To thy Northern vale where floweth
Deep and blue thy Tennessee.
Alabama, Alabama,
we will aye be true to thee.
There are seven verses. None are racist or mention Dixie. They are simply an ode to our state, pointing out the beautiful features and the various industries. What else does a state song do? I cannot see our young elementary age children trying to sing either of the two suggested songs in lieu of this one. I, too, still remember the song from my early school years. The author, Julia Tutwiler, was a strong educator and women's rights activist. She established the first technical school for women (which is now the University of Montevallo).
Now, here is a portion of "Stars Fell on Alabama" (which I have never heard!)
We lived our little drama
We kissed in a field of white
And stars fell on Alabama
Last night
I can't forget the glamour
Your eyes held a tender light
While stars fell on Alabama
Last night
Sounds like a love song to me! The focus is on the romance, not on the state.
OK, I got my two cents' worth in. I'll shush now!
I have to say...even though for some reason unknown to me, I never learned the state song in school, it does sound like a keeper.
After hearing these kids http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7izxsZgme38 sing it, with one of the fourth graders playing it, I'm inclined to think they should leave it alone. JMHO
They might consider using the lyrics and updating the music a bit, maybe change the word "aye" to forever, always, etc.?