User:Kcooperh/sandbox

[ADDING ONTO, NOT REPLACING, THE EXISTING INTRODUCTION]

The narrator describes falling in love with, and finding a home in, Rhode Island, despite the having visited every other U.S. state. Much of the song uses ocean imagery, and references Rhode Island’s historic neighborhoods, landmarks, and leaders, including College Hill, the Jewelry District, the State House, and Roger Williams.

Lyrics
I’ve been to every state we have

and I think that 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,

waters 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, it's for me.

Rhode Island, oh, Rhode Island

surrounded by the sea.

Some people roam the earth for home;

Rhode Island, it's for me.

I love the fresh October days,

the buzz on College Hill,

art that moves an eye to tear,

a jeweler’s special skill.

Icicles refract the sun,

snow falling gracefully.

Some search for a place that’s warm:

Rhode Island, it's for me.

Rhode Island, oh, Rhode Island

surrounded by the sea.

Some people roam the earth for home;

Rhode Island, it's 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, it's for me.

Rhode Island, oh, Rhode Island

surrounded by the sea.

Some people roam the earth for home;

Rhode Island, it's for me.

Rhode Island, oh, Rhode Island

surrounded by the sea.

Some people roam the earth for home:

Rhode Island, it's for me! An audio version of the song can be heard here.

Song origin
Some sources suggest that local comedian Charlie Hall wrote the song after his second cousin Providence Mayor Vincent A. “Buddy” Cianci challenged Hall’s frequent criticisms of Rhode Island. Cianci probably meant Hall’s production of “Ocean State Follies” and “Rhode Bytes,” both highly popular comedy shows that mocked state culture and political affairs, as well as Hall’s leadership in the Rhode Island Comedy Festival. The song was first sung during Hall's "Ocean State Follies," and was performed on the show for years, with an overwhelmingly positive audience reception, before gaining lawmakers' attention as a contender for state song.

Congress prompted some rewrites to the lyrics, seeking expansion and diversification of state references, but ultimately approved the song and officially adopted it on July 29, 1996.

1995
Maria Day sang “Rhode Island, It’s For Me” at the closing of the Rhode Island gubernatorial inauguration of Lincoln C. Almond, on January 3, 1995.

2014
On March 26, 2014, candidate for Rhode Island Governor, Todd J. Giroux, began his campaign by leading a fourth grade field trip to the Statehouse in a chorus of “Rhode Island, It’s For Me.”

Criticism
The official designation of “Rhode Island, It’s For Me” came under some criticism for its inaccurate and allegedly unsophisticated lyrics. One 1996 editorial for the Providence Journal suggested the song could have been "better composed by a third-grade gym class.” The author also raised concerns over the lyrics’ false affirmation of Rhode Island as a literal island.

About
“Rhode Island,” written by T. Clarke Browne, was the official state song for over fifty years when it was replaced by “Rhode Island, It’s For Me.” It has since been renamed the official state march.

Lyrics
Here's to you, belov'd RHODE ISLAND,

With your Hills and Ocean Shore.

We are proud to hail you RHODY

And your patriots of yore.

First to claim your independence,

Great your heritage and fame.

The smallest State in all the Union,

We will glorify your name!

About
“Rhode Island Is Famous for You” was originally written by Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz in 1948, for Inside U.S.A., a 1940s Broadway show about the U.S. States. The number was performed by Estelle Loring, who was awarded a Theater World Award for the piece, and Jack Haley.

“Rhode Island Is Famous for You” also served as the theme song for Buddy Cianci’s Radio Show, and was performed by Robert Goulet and Cianci himself at his 1995 mayoral inauguration.

The song has been covered by Blossom Dearie, Michael Frinstein, Nancy Lamott, Mandy Patinkin, John Pizzarelli, and Erin McKeown.

The song has recently been featured on the podcast Crimetown.

Lyrics
Copper comes from Arizona

Peaches come from Georgia

And lobsters come from Maine

The wheat fields are the sweet fields of Nebraska

And Kansas gets bonanzas from the grain

Old whiskey comes from old Kentucky

Ain't the country lucky

New Jersey gives us glue

And you, you come from Rhode Island

And little old Rhode Island is famous for you

Cotton comes from Lou-siana

Gophers from Montana

And spuds from Idaho

They plow land in the cow land of Missour-a

Where most beef meant for roast beef seems to grow

Grand canyons come from Colorad-a

Gold comes from Nevada

Divorces also do

And you, you come from Rhode Island

Little old Rhode Island is famous for you

Pencils come from Pennsylvania

Vest from Vest Virginia

And Tents from Tent-esee

They know mink where they grow mink in Wyo-mink

A camp chair in New Hamp-chair, that's for me

And minnows come Minnesota

Coats come from Dakota

But why should you be blue?

For you, you come from Rhode Island

Don't let them ride Rhode Island

It's famous for you.