Arizona Alternate State Anthem

"Arizona"

Written and Performed by Rex Allen, Jr.

Adopted in 1981

The Arizona State Anthem, "Arizona," was adopted February 28, 1919 by the Fourth State Legislature. The "Arizona March Song" as the anthem was titled, and more than 60 years later, the Arizona Legislature named Arizona and adopted it in 1981 by Arizona  House Bill No. 2300 as the state alternate State anthem.

Arizona Alternate State Anthem: "Arizona"

"Arizona"

I love you, Arizona;
Your mountains, deserts and streams;
The rise of Dos Cabezas*
And the outlaws I see in my dreams;
I love you Arizona,
Superstitions** and all;
The warmth you give at sunrise;
Your sunsets put music in us all.

Oo, Arizona;
You're the magic in me;
Oo, Arizona,
You're the life-blood of me;

I love you Arizona;
Desert dust on the wind;
The sage and cactus are blooming,
And the smell of the rain on your skin.

Oo, Arizona;
You're the magic in me;
Oo, Arizona,
You're the life-blood of me.

*Dos Cabezas (Two Heads) - mountain peaks in Cochise County, Arizona

Origin of Songs: "Arizona"

The Arizona State Anthem was adopted February 28, 1919 by the Fourth State Legislature. The "Arizona March Song" as the anthem was titled, was written by Margaret Rowe Clifford with music composed by Maurice Blumenthal.

More than 60 years later, the Arizona Legislature named Arizona, a song written and performed by Rex Allen, Jr. as an alternate state anthem. Rex Allen Jr. and father Rex Allen, natives of Willcox, are known world-wide for their famous renditions of cowboy songs.