Hail! Minnesota facts for kids

The beginning of "Hail! Minnesota"'s sheet music

"Hail! Minnesota" is the official state song of Minnesota. It is a special tune that represents the state. This song started at the University of Minnesota a long time ago. Students created it to celebrate their graduating class. Later, in 1945, the state of Minnesota officially chose it as its song.

What is "Hail! Minnesota"?

"Hail! Minnesota" is a song that celebrates the state of Minnesota. It is played at many important events. A state song helps people feel proud of their state. It often talks about the state's history, beauty, or values. "Hail! Minnesota" does this by mentioning the state's nature and its people.

How the Song Started

The story of "Hail! Minnesota" began in the early 1900s. Students at the University of Minnesota wanted a new song. They wished to honor their graduating class. This new song would be special for their university. It was first performed in 1904. The song quickly became popular among students.

Becoming the State Song

Many years after it was written, "Hail! Minnesota" became even more important. In 1945, the Minnesota State Legislature decided to make it the official state song. The Legislature is a group of elected people. They make laws and important decisions for the state. By approving "Hail! Minnesota," they recognized its meaning to the people.

Lyrics

The words of "Hail! Minnesota" talk about the state's beauty. They also speak about the loyalty of its people. Here are the official lyrics:

Minnesota, Hail to Thee!

Hail to Thee, our state so dear,

Thy light shall ever be

A beacon bright and clear.

Thy sons and daughters true

Will proclaim Thee near and far.

They shall guard thy fame and adore thy name;

Thou shalt be their Northern Star!

Like the stream that bends to sea,

Like the pine that seeks the blue;

Minnesota, still for Thee

Thy sons are strong and true!

From thy woods and waters fair,

From thy prairies waving far.

At thy call they throng with a shout and song;

Hailing Thee their Northern Star!

Images for kids

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  Sheet music for the college version