South Dakota State Song

"Hail, South Dakota"

Words and Music by Deecort Hammitt

Adopted on March 5, 1943.

"Hail, South Dakota" is the official state song, adopted on March 5, 1943. It is a marching song composed by Deecort Hammitt.

South Dakota State Song: "Hail, South Dakota

"Hail, South Dakota"

Hail! South Dakota, A great state of the land,
Health, wealth and beauty, That's what makes her grand;
She has her Black Hills, And mines with gold so rare,
And with her scenery, No other state can compare.

Come where the sun shines, And where life's worth your while,
You won't be here long, 'Till you'll wear a smile;
No state's so healthy, And no folk quite so true,
To South Dakota. We welcome you.

Hail! South Dakota, The state we love the best,
Land of our fathers, Builders of the west;
Home of the Badlands, and Rushmore's ageless shrine,
Black Hills and prairies, Farmland and Sunshine.
Hills, farms and prairies, Blessed with bright Sunshine

Origin of Song: "Hail, South Dakota"

"Hail, South Dakota" is the official state song, adopted in 1943. It is a marching song composed by Deecort Hammitt.

South Dakota Law

South Dakota Codified Laws, Title 1, Chapter 6, Section 7.

TITLE 1. STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT
CHAPTER 1-6. STATE EMBLEMS
SECTION 7. STATE SONG

1-6-7. State song. The song "Hail! South Dakota" having words and music written by Deecort Hammitt is adopted and established as the official state song of South Dakota. A copy of such composition is on file in the Office of the Secretary of State and the words of which are as follows:

Hail! South Dakota, the best state in the land,
Health, wealth and beauty, that's what makes her grand;
She has her Black Hills, and mines with gold so rare,
And with her scen'ry, no state can compare.
Come where the sun shines, and where life's worth your while,
You won't be here long, 'til you'll wear a smile;
No state's so healthy, and no folk quite so true,
To South Dakota. We all welcome you.
Hail! South Dakota, the state we love the best,
Land of our fathers, builders of the west;
Home of the Badlands, and Rushmore's ageless shrine,
Black Hills and prairies, farmland and sunshine.
(Hills, farms and prairies, blessed with bright sunshine).

Source: SL 1943, ch 268; SDC Supp 1960, § 55.0111.