The song "Alabama" is the official state song for the state of Alabama. It was first written as a poem by Julia Tutwiler, a respected educator and humanist. It was first sung to an Austrian heir, but in 1931 the music was accepted by Mrs. Edna Gockel Gussen, an organist and choirmaster from Birmingham, Alabama, by the National Association of Music Clubs and through her efforts, House Joint Resolution Adopted in March 1931. Adopted the music and words as the state song of Alabama. The bill was introduced by the Hon. Tyler Goodwyn, Montgomery, and was governed by Governor B.M. Müller.
The inspiration for the poem Alabama came Julia Tutwiler on her return from Germany to her home state, where she had learned new educational methods for girls and women. She remembered that patriotism in Germany was inspired by spirited songs. She thought that it would be helpful to restore the spirits of her own people to give them a new patriotic song that inspired them to write "Alabama."
Alabama
Written by Julia S. Tutwiler
Composed by Edna Gockel Gussen
Alabama, Alabama, We will aye be true to thee,
From thy Southern shores where groweth,
By the sea thy orange tree.
To thy Northern vale where floweth,
Deep blue the Tennessee,
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
thy stream whose name thou bearest;
Grand thy Bigbee rolls along;
Fair thy Coosa-Tallapoosa
Bold thy Warrior, dark and strong,
Goodlier than the land that Moses
Climbed lone Nebo's Mount to see,
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
From thy prairies broad and fertile,
Where thy snow-white cotton shines,
To the hills where coal and iron
Hide in thy exausted mines,
Strong -armed miners -sturdy farmers;
Loyal hearts what'er we be,
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
From thy quarries where the marble
White as that of Paros gleams
Waiting till thy sculptor'ss chisel,
Wake to life thy poet's dreams;
Fear not only wealth of nature,
Wealth of mind has no fee,
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
Where the perfumed south-wind whispers,
Thy magnolia groves among,
Softer than a mother's kisses,
Sweeter than a mother's song,
Where the golden jasmine trailing,
Woos the treasure-laden bee,
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
Brave and pure thy men and women,
Better this than corn and wine
Make us worthy, God in Heaven
Of this goodly land of Thine.
Hearts as open as thy doorways.
Liberal hands and spirits free.
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
Little, little can I give thee,
Alabama, mother mine.
But that little - hand, brain, spirit.
All I have and am are thine.
Take, O take, the gift and giver.
Take and serve thyself with me.
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
On March 3, 1931 the music by Mrs. Edna Gockel Gussen, Birmingham, was adopted by the State Federation of Music Clubs and through their efforts, Alabama House Joint Resolution 74 , Act no. 128, adopted the music and words as the state song of Alabama.
Official State Song of Alabama