Michigan State Song

"My Michigan"

Lyrics: Giles Kavanagh

Music: H. O’Reilly Clint

Adoption: 1937

HISTORY

The official state anthem of Michigan, "My Michigan," was given an official designation by the Michigan Legislature in 1937. The song expresses the hopes, ambitions, and pride of the people of the state. Ironically, before adoption it was rarely sung and never on state occasions. Many consider the more popular "Michigan, My Michigan," which has been widely sung since the Civil War, as the unofficial state song. Winifred Lee Brent Lyster wrote the original lyrics of "Michigan, My Michigan" to the tune of the Christmas song "O Tannenbaum" in 1862. For Michigan's semi-centennial celebration in 1886, Major James W. Long wrote new lyrics for the tune. They hailed Michigan's attributes and also remembered Civil War veterans. Douglas Malloch composed new lyrics for the same song in 1902. It was more of a peacetime anthem, and was sung in state conventions and school patriotic programs.  -World Trade Press

LYRICS

"My Michigan"

A song to thee, fair State of mine,
Michigan, my Michigan.
But greater song than this is thine,
Michigan, my Michigan.
The whisper of the forest tree.
The thunder of the inland sea;
Unite in one grand symphony
Of Michigan, my Michigan

I sing a State of all the best,
Michigan, my Michigan;
I sing a State with riches bless'd
Michigan, my Michigan;
Thy mines unmask a hidden store,
But richer thy historic lore,
More great the love thy builders bore,
O Michigan, my Michigan.