"Washington, My Home" - The state song, "Washington, My Home," was written by Helen Davis, arranged by Stuart Churchill, and became the official state song in 1959. But, like the goldfinch, it had some stiff competition from another popular song. Back in 1909, "Washington Beloved" was adopted, sort of, by the Legislature. Professor Edmond Meany, the historian, wrote the words and Reginald de Koven, who also wrote "O Promise Me" and other operettas, wrote the music. But this song was never formally introduced as a bill and so was not part of the state's code of law. When a state senator from South Bend introduced a bill in 1959 to make "Washington, My Home" our state song, it was approved unanimously. The lyrics are as follow:
"This is my country; God gave it to me;
I will protect it, Ever keep it free.
Small towns and cities rest here in the sun,
Filled with our laughter. Thy will be done.
(refrain)
Washington my home; Where ever I may roam;
This is my land, my native land, Washington, my home.
Our verdant forest green, Caressed by silv'ry stream.
From mountain peak to fields of wheat, Washington, my home.
There's peace you feel and understand. In this, our own beloved land.
We greet the day with head held high, And forward ever is our cry.
We'll happy ever be As people always free.
For you and me a destiny; Washington my home.
For you and me a destiny; Washington my home."
There's where we'll meet and we'll never part no more.