Texas State Song

"Texas, Our Texas"

Written by William J. Marsh and Gladys Yoakum Wright
Composed by William J. Marsh

Adopted in 1929.

The song, "Texas, Our Texas", words by Gladys Yoakum Wright and William J. Marsh (1880-1971) and music by William J. Marsh, was adopted as the official state song of Texas by Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 6 adopted on May 23, 1929.

Texas State Song: "Texas, Our Texas"

"Texas, Our Texas"

Texas, our Texas! All hail the mighty State!
Texas, our Texas! So wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, Withstanding ev'ry test;
O Empire wide and glorious, You stand supremely blest.


[Refrain]

God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, Thro'out the ages long.

Texas, O Texas! Your freeborn single star,
Sends out its radiance to nations near and far.
Emblem of freedom! It sets our hearts aglow,
With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo.

[Refrain]

Texas, dear Texas! From tyrant grip now free,
Shines forth in splendor your star of destiny!
Mother of heroes! We come your children true,
Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you.

[Refrain]

Origin of Song: "Texas, Our Texas"

When the state flag is displayed during a performance of "Texas, Our Texas", all individuals present, except those in uniform, should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Individuals in uniform should salute at the first note of the song, and retain this position until the last note. Individuals who are wearing a headdress that is easily removable should remove it with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, with the hand over the heart. Individuals who are not citizens of Texas should simply stand at attention.

If the state flag is not displayed during a performance of the song, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner as they would if the flag were displayed there.

If both are to be performed, the state song is played after the national anthem.

The Legislature adopted "Texas, Our Texas" as the state song in 1929 (Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 6, 41st Legislature, First Called Session). According to the Handbook of Texas Online, one revision has been made to the state song since its adoption. In 1959, following Alaska statehood, the word "Largest" in the third line was changed by William J. Marsh to "Boldest."

Administration of the copyright has been assigned to the Southern Music Company by the families of the composers. Questions concerning the copyright should be sent to Southern Music Company, PO Box 329, San Antonio, TX 78292.

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 6, 41st Legislature, First Called Session (1929)

Texas Law

Texas Code, Title 11, Chapter 3101, Section 005. The words are included within the statute.

TITLE 11. STATE SYMBOLS AND HONORS; PRESERVATION
CHAPTER 3101. STATE SYMBOLS
SECTION 005. STATE SONG

§ 3101.005. STATE SONG. The state song, "Texas, Our Texas" by William J. Marsh and Gladys Yoakum Wright, is as follows:

Texas, our Texas! All hail the mighty State!
Texas, our Texas! So wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, Withstanding ev'ry test;
O Empire wide and glorious, You stand supremely blest.

Refrain:
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth,
Thro'out the ages long.

Texas, O Texas! Your freeborn single star,
Sends out its radiance to nations near and far.
Emblem of freedom! It sets our hearts aglow,
With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo.

Refrain:

Texas, dear Texas! From tyrant grip now free,
Shines forth in splendor your star of destiny!
Mother of heroes! We come your children true,
Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you.

Refrain:

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, § 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.