Maryland, like many states in the USA, once had a designated State Song to represent its heritage and culture. For over eighty years, that song was “Maryland, My Maryland.” Adopted in 1939, this poem-turned-song held a significant place in the state’s identity, although its history is rooted in the tumultuous era of the American Civil War and carries complex connotations.
The lyrics of “Maryland, My Maryland” originated as a nine-stanza poem penned by James Ryder Randall in April 1861. Randall, a Maryland native, was teaching in Louisiana when the Civil War erupted. News of Union troops passing through Baltimore deeply affected him, sparking outrage and inspiring his writing. The poem, and subsequently the state song, voiced strong Confederate sympathies, reflecting the divided loyalties prevalent during that period. It was set to the tune of “Lauriger Horatius,” a traditional melody more widely recognized today as the tune of “O, Tannenbaum.” This familiar tune helped the song gain rapid popularity, not only within Maryland but also across the Confederacy.
However, as times changed and societal perspectives evolved, the controversial nature of the state song became increasingly apparent. Its pro-Confederate stance, born from the passions of the Civil War, no longer resonated with the diverse and inclusive values of modern Maryland. After years of debate and growing calls for change, the General Assembly of Maryland made a significant decision. Effective July 1, 2021, “Maryland, My Maryland” was officially repealed as the state song. This repeal marked a turning point in how Maryland chose to represent itself, acknowledging the need for a state song that could unite all its citizens, rather than reflect a divisive chapter from the past. As of now, Maryland has not replaced “Maryland, My Maryland” with a new state song, leaving a symbolic space open for future consideration and a potentially more inclusive anthem.
