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1999 SESSION

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984523352
HOUSE BILL NO. 1416 Offered January 29, 1998 A BILL to amend and reenact § 7.1-37 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the official song of the Commonwealth. ---------- Patron-- Melvin (By Request) ---------- Consent to introduce ---------- Referred to Committee on General Laws ----------

Whereas, the Commonwealth has no official song because "Carry Me Back To Old Virginia," declared the State song in 1940, has become so controversial that it is no longer possible or appropriate to use the song; and

Whereas, the official song should reference the rich history and tradition of the Commonwealth and invoke images of the natural and scenic beauty its citizens celebrate; and

Whereas, the Commonwealth requires an official song that can be sung on all occasions with pride and affection; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That "Home in Virginia," by Evi Burgin be designated as the official song of the Commonwealth, the words of which are as follows:

Home in Virginia From the Blue Ridge Mountains – to the Chesapeake Bay Sunsets in Virginia c'take your breath away The cardinal that's singing – in the lacy dogwood tree Tells me living in Virginia is good enough for me. Right at home in Virginia!

Honeysuckle vine – by fields of corn Fam'lies settlin' down, children bein' born With wisdom from the elders – our people become strong Sweet memories of good time, we celebrate in song.

Chorus:

As the music plays – we say Welcome – to Virginia And we stay -- because Our heart is home in Virginia. Mother of presidents, mother of states First English settlement, opened up the gates To our first legislature – in old Jamestown The shaping of our nation, history handed down. Right at home in Virginia! We honor those who died – and hope in those who live Each one in the Commonwealth has something to give The gift of love is from above, so we stake our claim In the land they call God's country, our love is not in vain.

Chorus:

As the music plays – we say Welcome – to Virginia And we stay -- because Our heart is home in Virginia....

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 7.1-37 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 7.1-37. Official song.

A. The song "Carry Me Back to Old Virginia," by James A. Bland, as set out in the House Joint Resolution 10, adopted by the General Assembly of Virginia at the Session of 1940, is declared to be the official song emeritus of the Commonwealth.

B. The song "Home in Virginia," by Evi Burgin as set out in the 1998 Acts of Assembly, is declared to be the official song of the Commonwealth.