Arkansas State Anthem: Arkansas

"Arkansas" was first adopted in 1917 but was dropped in 1949 when "The Arkansas Traveler" became the state song. In 1963, however, the legislature readopted "Arkansas."

Governor Orval Faubus signed the resolution on March 4, 1963, restoring "Arkansas"to its former status. On October 5, 1963, Secretary of State Kelly Bryant hosted a reception for Barnett at the capitol, at which the songwriter autographed copies of the sheet music, which would be distributed free to the public upon request.

Arkansas State Anthem: "Arkansas"

"Arkansas"

I am thinking tonight of the Southland,
Of the home of my childhood days,
Where I roamed through the woods and the meadows
By the mill and the brook that plays;
Where the roses are in bloom
And the sweet magnolia too,
Where the jasmine is white
And the fields are violet blue,
There a welcome awaits all her children
Who have wandered afar from home.

Chorus

Arkansas, Arkansas, tis a name dear,
'Tis the place I call "home, sweet home";
Arkansas, Arkansas, I salute thee,
From thy shelter no more I'll roam.

'Tis a land full of joy and of sunshine,
Rich in pearls and in diamonds rare,
Full of hope, faith, and love for the stranger,
Who may pass 'neath her portals fair;
There the rice fields are full,
And the cotton, corn and hay,
There the fruits of the field
Bloom in the winter months and May,
'Tis the land that I love, first of all, dear,
And to her let us all give cheer.

Repeat Chorus

Origin of Song: "Arkansas"

"Arkansas" was published by the Central Music Company in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1916 by Eva Ware Barnett and Will M. Ramsey. It became the first song designated as the Official State Song of Arkansas when the Arkansas General Assembly adopted it by Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 6 on January 12, 1917. This song was first adopted in 1917 but was dropped in 1949 when "The Arkansas Traveler" became the state song. In 1963, however, the legislature readopted "Arkansas." "Arkansas" remained the Official State Song, a bumpy road, until 1987, when its designation was changed from Official State Song to Official State Anthem by House Concurrent Resolution No. 1003.

Arkansas Concurrent Resolution HCR1003

HCR1003
State of Arkansas
76th General Assembly
Regular Session, 1987 HCR1003
Representative Stephens

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

DECLARING THE SONG "ARKANSAS" TO BE THE STATE ANTHEM, AND THE SONG "ARKANSAS (YOU RUN DEEP IN ME)" TO BE THE STATE SONG.

WHEREAS, House Concurrent Resolution No. 16 of 1963 designated the song "Arkansas", written by Mrs. Eva Ware Barnett, as the official state song, and the coyright to said song has been granted to the State of Arkansas; and

WHEREAS, the song "Arkansas (You Run Deep in Me)" by Wayland Holyfield is an additional song that is appropriate to be designated as a state song;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SEVENTY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN:
That hereafter the song "Arkansas", written by Mrs. Eva Ware Barnett in 1916, shall be known and designated as the official state anthem of the State of Arkansas.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that hereafter the song "Arkansas (You Run Deep in Me)", written by Wayland Holyfield, shall be designated and known as the State Song, provided that Wayland Holyfield files written consent to the use of said song as the State Song of the State of Arkansas with the Secretary of State within ninety (90) days from the date of adoption of this Resolution.

Arkansas State

State Songs

Arkansas Symbols

Arkansas State Anthem

"Arkansas"

by Mrs. Eva Ware Barnett

Adopted on February 09, 1917