Iowa State Song

"The Song of Iowa"

Lyrics: S.H.M. Byers

Music: Tannenbaum

Adoption: 1911

HISTORY

Samuel Hawkins Marshall Byers was inspired to write "The Song of Iowa" while in a Confederate prison in Richmond, Virginia, although he didn't put words to paper until 1897. In prison he heard an old German folk song composed by Tannenbaum that would eventually be used as the tune for his lyrics. Byers' song was first performed by a French concert singer to wide acclaim, and several years later, in 1911, it was adopted as the official state song. Despite the song's status, the "Iowa Corn Song" is perhaps the most widely known and popular song representing the state.  -World Trade Press 

LYRICS

"The Song of Iowa"

You asked what land I love the best, Iowa, tis Iowa,
The fairest State of all the west, Iowa, O! Iowa,
From yonder Misissippi's stream
To where Missouri's waters gleam
O! fair it is as poet's dream, Iowa, in Iowa.

See yonders fields of tasseled corn, Iowa in Iowa,
Where plenty fills her golden horn, Iowa in Iowa,
See how her wonderous praries shine.
To yonder sunset's purpling line,
O! happy land, O! land of mine, Iowa, O! Iowa.

And she has maids whose laughing eyes, Iowa, O! Iowa.
To him whose loves were Paradise, Iowa, O! Iowa
O! happiest fate that e'er was known.
Such eyes to shine for one alone,
To call such beauty all his own. Iowa, O! Iowa

Go read the story of thy past. Iowa, O! Iowa
What glorious deeds, what fame thou hast! Iowa, O! Iowa
So long as time's great cycle runs,
Or nations weep their fallen ones,
Thou'lt not forget thy patriot sons, Iowa, O! Iowa