Maryland, a state rich in history and tradition, currently stands without a designated State Song. For many years, “Maryland, My Maryland” served as the state’s anthem, embodying a passionate, albeit controversial, piece of the state’s heritage. This article delves into the story of this former state song, providing the lyrics and exploring the historical context that led to its repeal. Understanding the journey of “Maryland, My Maryland” offers valuable insight into the evolving cultural landscape and historical reflection within the state.
The History of “Maryland, My Maryland”
“Maryland, My Maryland” originated as a nine-stanza poem penned by James Ryder Randall in 1861. Randall, a Maryland native and professor teaching in Louisiana, was deeply moved by the Pratt Street Riot in Baltimore, an early and bloody clash of the Civil War. News of the conflict, where Union soldiers fired upon Confederate sympathizers, spurred Randall to express his Confederate sympathies and outrage through verse. The poem was quickly set to the tune of “Lauriger Horatius,” also known as “O Tannenbaum” (O Christmas Tree), a melody of German folk origin.
The lyrics of “Maryland, My Maryland” are a fervent call to arms, steeped in the rhetoric of the Civil War era. They reflect the divided loyalties within Maryland, a border state with strong ties to both the Union and the Confederacy. The poem’s verses invoke Maryland’s historical figures and valor, urging the state to rise up in defiance against the “despot’s heel” and “Northern scum,” clear references to the Union and the Federal government.
The poem gained rapid popularity throughout the Confederacy and among Confederate sympathizers in Maryland. Despite its strong Confederate leanings, “Maryland, My Maryland” was officially adopted as the Maryland State Song in 1939. This adoption occurred during a period when romanticized views of the Confederacy were more prevalent, and the song’s historical context was perhaps less critically examined in mainstream discourse.
Lyrics of “Maryland, My Maryland”
Below are the complete lyrics of “Maryland, My Maryland,” the poem that once served as the state’s official song. Understanding these lyrics is crucial to grasping the historical significance and the later controversies surrounding the anthem. The song lyrics themselves are powerful historical documents, revealing the sentiments of a specific time.
I
The despot’s heel is on thy shore,
Maryland!
His torch is at thy temple door,
Maryland!
Avenge the patriotic gore
That flecked the streets of Baltimore,
And be the battle queen of yore,
Maryland! My Maryland!
II
Hark to an exiled son’s appeal,
Maryland!
My Mother State! to thee I kneel,
Maryland!
For life or death, for woe or weal,
Thy peerless chivalry reveal,
And gird thy beauteous limbs with steel,
Maryland! My Maryland!
III
Thou wilt not cower in the dust,
Maryland!
Thy beaming sword shall never rust,
Maryland!
Remember Carroll’s sacred trust,
Remember Howard’s warlike thrust,-
And all thy slumberers with the just,
Maryland! My Maryland!
IV
Come! ’tis the red dawn of the day,
Maryland!
Come with thy panoplied array,
Maryland!
With Ringgold’s spirit for the fray,
With Watson’s blood at Monterey,
With fearless Lowe and dashing May,
Maryland! My Maryland!
V
Come! for thy shield is bright and strong,
Maryland!
Come! for thy dalliance does thee wrong,
Maryland!
Come to thine own anointed throng,
Stalking with Liberty along,
And sing thy dauntless slogan song,
Maryland! My Maryland!
VI
Dear Mother! burst the tyrant’s chain,
Maryland!
Virginia should not call in vain,
Maryland!
She meets her sisters on the plain-
Sic semper! ’tis the proud refrain
That baffles minions back amain,
Maryland! Arise in majesty again,
Maryland! My Maryland!
VII
I see the blush upon thy cheek,
Maryland!
For thou wast ever bravely meek,
Maryland!
But lo! there surges forth a shriek,
From hill to hill, from creek to creek,
Potomac calls to Chesapeake,
Maryland! My Maryland!
VIII
Thou wilt not yield the Vandal toll,
Maryland!
Thou wilt not crook to his control,
Maryland!
Better the fire upon thee roll,
Better the shot, the blade, the bowl,
Than crucifixion of the Soul,
Maryland! My Maryland!
IX
I hear the distant thunder-hum,
Maryland!
The Old Line bugle, fife, and drum,
Maryland!
She is not dead, nor deaf, nor dumb-
Huzza! She spurns the Northern scum!
She breathes! She burns! She’ll come! She’ll come!
Maryland! My Maryland!
Repeal of the State Song
In recent decades, the controversial nature of “Maryland, My Maryland” became increasingly prominent. The song’s pro-Confederate lyrics, particularly the line “spurns the Northern scum,” were viewed by many as offensive and divisive, especially in a state with a diverse population. Calls for the song’s repeal grew louder, reflecting a broader societal re-evaluation of Confederate symbols and their place in public life.
After years of debate and legislative efforts, the Maryland General Assembly finally voted to repeal “Maryland, My Maryland” as the official state song. The repeal became effective on July 1, 2021, marking a significant moment in Maryland’s history. Chapters 148 & 149 of the Acts of 2021 officially removed the song’s state designation. This legislative action acknowledged the need for a state symbol that could represent all Marylanders, moving away from a song deeply rooted in a divisive period of American history.
Maryland’s Search for a New State Song
As of now, Maryland is in the process of determining whether to adopt a new state song or remain without one. The repeal of “Maryland, My Maryland” opens up opportunities for the state to consider songs that better reflect its contemporary values and diverse heritage. Any future state song selection process would likely involve public input and careful consideration of lyrics, historical context, and representativeness to ensure the chosen anthem can unite and celebrate all citizens of Maryland. The story of Maryland’s state song highlights the dynamic relationship between lyrics, song lyrics, history, and cultural identity.
