New Hampshire State Song

"Old New Hampshire" and "Live Free or Die" Official State Song #1 "Old New Hampshire" Lyrics: Dr. John F. Holmes Music: Maurice Hoffmann Adoption: 1949 and 1977 Honorary State Song #1 "New Hampshire, My New Hampshire" Lyrics: Julius Richelson Music: Walter P. Smith Adoption: 1963 and 1977 Honorary State Song #2 "New Hampshire Hills" Lyrics: Paul Scott Mowrer Music: Tom Powers Adoption: 1973 and 1977 Honorary State Song #3 "Autumn in New Hampshire" Lyrics: Leo Austin Music: Leo Austin Adoption: 1977 Honorary State Song #4 "New Hampshire’s Granite State" Lyrics: Anne B. Currier Music: Anne B. Currier Adoption: 1977 Honorary State Song #5 "Oh, New Hampshire (You’re My Home)" Lyrics: Brownie McIntosh Music: Brownie McIntosh Adoption: 1977 Honorary State Song #6 "The Old Man of the Mountain" Lyrics: Paul Belanger Music: Paul Belanger Adoption: 1977 Honorary State Song #7 "The New Hampshire State March" Lyrics: Rene Richards Music: Rene Richards Adoption: 1977 Honorary State Song #8 "New Hampshire Naturally" Lyrics: Rick Shaw and Ron Shaw Music: Rick Shaw and Ron Shaw Adoption: 1983 Official State Song #2 "Live Free or Die" Lyrics: Barry Palmer Music: Barry Palmer Adoption: 2007 HISTORY New Hampshire is the only U.S. state with ten state songs. Of these, two are "official" and the others "honorary." "Old New Hampshire," written in 1926 by Dr. John F. Holmes and composed by Maurice Hoffmann, a church organist, was adopted in 1949 as the official state song. In 1963, "New Hampshire, My New Hampshire," written by Julius Richelson and set to tune by Walter P. Smith of Plymouth, was added. Then the 1973 legislature added a third song, "New Hampshire Hills," with music by Tom Powers accompanying lyrics by the state’s poet laureate, Paul Scott Mowrer. In March 1977, "Autumn in New Hampshire," by Leo Austin of Warner, became the fourth state song. At this point, an interim board was formed to decide upon one official state song and make the rest honorary. "Old New Hampshire," the most popular, was again made New Hampshire’s official state song, while the list of honorary songs was expanded to include four new entries suggested by the state’s citizens. The new songs were "Oh, New Hampshire (You’re My Home)" by Brownie McIntosh, "The Old Man of the Mountain" by Paul Belanger, "New Hampshire’s Granite State" by Anne B. Currier, and "The New Hampshire State March" by Rene Richards. In 1983, "New Hampshire Naturally," written and composed by Rick Shaw and Ron Shaw, was added to the list of honorary state songs. "Live Free or Die," with words and music by Nashua resident Barry Palmer, was adopted as the second official state song in 2007. This most recent addition commemorates the true New Hampshire story of the Revolutionary War veteran whose words became the state’s motto.  -World Trade Press LYRICS "Old New Hampshire" With a skill that knows no measure, From the golden store of Fate God, in His great love and wisdom, Made the rugged Granite State; Made the lakes, the fields, the forests; Made the Rivers and the rills; Made the bubbling, crystal fountains Of New Hampshire's Granite Hills Chorus: Old New Hampshire, Old New Hampshire Old New Hampshire Grand and Great We will sing of Old New Hampshire, Of the dear old Granite State Builded he New Hampshire glorious From the borders to the sea; And with matchless charm and splendor Blessed her for eternity. Hers, the majesty of mountain;Hers, the grandeur of the lake; Hers, the truth as from the hillside Whence her crystal waters break Repeat Chorus "Live Free or Die" The old General answered the invitation From soldiers under his command. I can't make the reunion boys I hope you'll understand I'm now into my 80s The ride is too much for me, But I'll be there in spirit boys You know I'll always be. You fought with courage and valor As Americans always do, Though I'm not there, I'd like to share These few words with you. Live free or die, live free or die Fight the fight with every breath There are things worse than death Live free or die. The Revolution was finally over Many had passed away, But the note he sent his soldiers Still lives on today. Live free or die, live free or die Fight the fight with every breath There are things worse than death Live free or die/ Live free or die.