Oregon's official state song may get new words

The video above has the old state song of Oregon. Compare its words with possible new words below.

(APRIL 26, 2021) Did you know Oregon has a state song? It's called "Oregon, My Oregon." It was written in 1920 by John A. Buchanan with music by Henry B. Murtagh. It won a contest by the Society of Oregon Composers. Oregon government made it our official state song in 1927.

You might not know the song. Even if you know the music, however, the words might change soon.

The original song lyrics (words) contain racist, outdated, and exclusionary language. They do not accurately reflect the whole history of Oregon. For example, the song does not include the experiences of indigenous people. Instead, it talks about "empire builders." It describes a land "conquered and held by free men, fairest and the best."

Amy Shapiro wrote the new lyrics for some parts. She says "All Oregonians of all ethnic and racial backgrounds deserve a state song they can sing with pride and affection."

Therefore many lawmakers in state government want to change the lyrics officially. The new lyrics would be:

Land of Majestic Mountains,
Land of the Great Northwest;
Forests and rolling rivers,
Grandest and the best.
Onward and upward ever,
Forward and on, and on;
Hail to thee, Land of Heroes,
My Oregon.

Land of the rose and sunshine
Land of the summer’s breeze;
Laden with health and vigor,
Fresh from the Western seas.
Blessed by the love of freedom,
Land of the setting sun;
Hail to thee, Land of Promise,
My Oregon.

Some lawmakers disagree. They do not want to change the lyrics. They think the words are a part of history and literature. Some do not think it is racist. Others think we should keep the old lyrics in order to continue to learn from our mistakes.

Supporters of the change say the old lyrics hurt not only indigenous tribes, but also Black people, who were not welcome in Oregon when it became a state in 1859.

The state House of Representatives approved the change. Now the state Senate will vote. If they approve it, then the Governor will be asked to approve it, and it will become law.