| "Beautiful Ohio," published in 1918, has been used as a march by the Ohio State University Marching Band (OSUMB) for many years, and has become the theme song of the OSUMB Alumni Band. The song was originally composed, as a waltz, by Mary Earl. The original lyrics were written by Ballard MacDonald. Like, "Round on the Ends" and "High in the Middle," "Beautiful Ohio," owes it roots to show tune composers, in the case vaudeville. Unfortunately, the actual date of the OSUMB arrangement has not been determined, but it could date to the 1930s. "Beautiful Ohio" became the state song in 1969. In 1989, the Ohio legislature adopted an amendment to section 5.09 of the Ohio Revised Code that changed the words of the state song. The new lyrics were the work of Youngstown attorney Wilbert McBride. |
Beautiful Ohio - Henry Burr 1918 Original Lyrics Long, long time ago Someone I know Had a little red canoe, In it room for only two. Love found its start Then in my heart, And like a flower grew. Drifting with the current down a moonlit stream, While above the Heavens in their glory gleam, And the stars on high Twinkle in the sky, Seeming in a paradise of love divine, Dreaming of a pair of eyes that looked in mine. Beautiful Ohio, in dreams again I see Visons of what used to be. Modern Lyrics I sailed away; Wandered afar; Crossed the mighty restless sea; Looked for where I ought to be. Cities so grand, mountains above, Led to this land I love. Beautiful Ohio, where the golden grain Dwarf the lovely flowers in the summer rain. Cities rising high, silhouette the sky. Freedom is supreme in this majestic land; Mighty factories seem to hum in tune, so grand. Beautiful Ohio, thy wonders are in view, Land where my dreams all come true! |
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