Texas, Our Texas facts for kids
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| Regional anthem of | Texas |
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| Lyrics | Gladys Yoakum Wright, William J. Marsh, 1924 |
| Music | William J. Marsh, 1924 |
| Adopted | 1929 |
"Texas, Our Texas" is the official song of the state of Texas. It became the state song in the late 1920s.
Contents
The Story of "Texas, Our Texas"
How the Song Was Created
The song "Texas, Our Texas" was written in 1924. Two people worked together to create it: William J. Marsh and Gladys Yoakum Wright. William J. Marsh was born in Liverpool, which is in the United Kingdom. He moved to Texas when he was young. Gladys Yoakum Wright was from Fort Worth, Texas.
In 1929, the Texas Legislature (which is like the state's government law-making group) held a competition. They wanted to choose an official state song. "Texas, Our Texas" was picked as the winner. Other older songs, like "The Yellow Rose of Texas", were thought about. But in the end, the state decided to have a brand new song.
When It Became Official
Even though people had been singing "Texas, Our Texas" since 1929, it was not officially made the state song until 1993. This happened when the 73rd Texas Legislature made it official.
Singing the State Song
The state song is usually sung right after the United States national anthem. When it is sung, the Texas flag is often shown. If the flag is not there, people are expected to face the music. They should act as if the flag were present.
A Change in the Lyrics
The original song had a word that was changed later. The third line used to say "largest and grandest". But in 1959, Alaska became part of the United States. Alaska is a much bigger state than Texas. So, the word "largest" was changed to "boldest" to keep the song accurate.
Singing in Schools
In the 1950s, many elementary school students in Texas sang this song. They would sing it in groups at the start of their school day. Even in the 1990s, some schools still sang "Texas, Our Texas". This was often done along with the pledge to the U.S. flag and the Texas flag.
The Music of the Song
This section shows the musical notes for "Texas, Our Texas". It helps musicians play the song correctly. <score sound="1"> \relative c' { \key c \major \time 4/4 \tempo 4 = 120 c4 c2 d4 e g2 f4 e c c d c2. r4 e g2 g4 a c2 c4 b g g a g2. r4 g g2 a4 g c,2 d4 e g c4. g8 a2. a4 d, e e f g g2 a4 b g g a g2. r4 c4^"Chorus" c2 b4 b a2 a4 a e f g f2. e4 d e f a g c c a g e e4. d8 c2. r4 \bar "|." } \addlyrics { Tex -- as, our Tex -- as! All hail the might -- y State! Tex -- as, our Tex -- as! So won -- der -- ful so great! Bold -- est and grand -- est, With -- stand -- ing ev -- 'ry test; O Em -- pire wide and glor -- ious, You stand su -- preme -- ly blest. God bless you Tex -- as! And keep you brave and strong, That you may grow in power and worth, Thro -- 'out the a -- ges long. } </score>
The Words of the Song
The lyrics of "Texas, Our Texas" tell a story about the state's history and spirit. They talk about Texas being strong, free, and a place of heroes.
I
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.
Chorus:
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth,
Thro'out the ages long.
II
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.
Chorus
III
Texas, dear Texas! From tyrant grip now free,
Shines forth in splendor your star of destiny!
Mother of heroes! We come your children true,
Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you.
Chorus
