If you walk down a busy street in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh and ask a random person to hum the official state song for Pennsylvania, you're probably going to get a blank stare. Or maybe they’ll start humming the "Pennsylvania Polka." Or perhaps they’ll belt out a few lines of Billy Joel’s "Allentown."
Honestly, almost nobody knows the real one.
It isn't a catchy pop hit or a folk legend. It’s a formal, somewhat traditional march simply titled "Pennsylvania." And while it has been the official anthem for over three decades, there is a massive movement happening right now in Harrisburg to ditch it for something that actually has a "hook."
The Song You Didn't Know Existed
The current state song for Pennsylvania was adopted on November 29, 1990. It was written by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner. Khoury, who was a retired prison administrator at the time, teamed up with Bonner to create a piece that feels like a cross between a patriotic hymn and a mid-century university fight song.
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Governor Robert P. Casey signed it into law after a special committee sifted through more than 200 submissions. Think about that for a second. Out of 200 options—including songs by world-famous artists—the legislature landed on a track that most residents couldn't pick out of a lineup.
The lyrics go like this:
"Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, Mighty is your name,
Steeped in glory and tradition, Object of acclaim."
It’s fine. It’s noble. But is it an earworm? Not really.
Why Pennsylvania’s Song Is Actually a Controversy
The big issue isn't that the song is "bad" in a musical sense. It’s that it lacks the cultural weight of songs like "Georgia on My Mind" or "Take Me Home, Country Roads." When you hear Ray Charles sing about Georgia, you feel something. When you hear the state song for Pennsylvania, you mostly feel like you’re at a graduation ceremony for a school you didn't attend.
State Representative Joe Ciresi has been leading the charge lately to find a replacement. He’s argued—pretty effectively, too—that a state song should be a marketing tool. It should bring people together and drive tourism. Right now, Pennsylvania’s anthem is basically a ghost.
In April 2025, the PA House adopted a resolution to establish an independent commission to study the song’s history and look for new submissions. They want something that reflects the "dynamism and diversity" of the modern Commonwealth. They want a song that Pennsylvanians actually want to sing.
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What about the "Pennsylvania Polka"?
Whenever this conversation comes up, people immediately point to the "Pennsylvania Polka." It’s fun, it’s iconic, and it’s been a staple at weddings and festivals for generations. Back in 1990, it was actually considered for the official title.
However, critics at the time (and today) felt it was a bit too specific to certain regions or ethnic heritages. It didn't quite capture the "solemnity" of the state's role as the cradle of liberty. So, it stayed a fan favorite while the Khoury/Bonner composition took the official crown.
The Famous Rejections
It’s kinda wild to look back at what the state rejected in favor of the current state song for Pennsylvania. During the 1990 search, the committee had access to:
- "Allentown" by Billy Joel – A gritty, real-world look at the industrial heart of the state.
- "Philadelphia Freedom" by Elton John – An absolute banger, though technically written about a tennis team.
- "You've Got a Friend" by James Taylor – Not strictly about PA, but the committee looked at everything.
They also passed over a tune called "Pennsylvania – Gee! It's Great!" which, in hindsight, sounds like it would have been either incredibly charming or deeply embarrassing.
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The Race for a New Anthem
As we head through 2026—the 250th anniversary of the United States—the pressure is on. Lawmakers like Russ Diamond have even thrown their own hats into the ring. Diamond, a legislator with a background in music, wrote a song called "Pennsylvania: The Keystone of my Heart."
He’s been playing it in videos with a "follow the bouncing ball" sing-along style. While he’s being a bit tongue-in-cheek about introducing his own work as a bill, it highlights a real desire for a change of pace.
The current legal status of the state song for Pennsylvania is a bit of a stalemate. The 1990 song remains the official version on the books. But with the new commission forming, we might see a "public contest" style search very soon.
What This Means for You
If you’re a musician or a songwriter in Pennsylvania, this is actually a big deal. The state is looking for its "Country Roads." They want a song that can be played at the Phillies home opener, at a Penguins game, and at a rural county fair without feeling out of place.
The limitations are real, though. Pennsylvania is a massive, diverse state. What works for a hip-hop artist in North Philly might not resonate with a farmer in Tioga County. That’s why the 1990 song was so generic—it was safe. It didn't offend anyone, but it also didn't inspire anyone.
Summary of the Current State Song
- Title: "Pennsylvania"
- Authors: Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner
- Adopted: 1990
- Vibe: Formal march, heavy on "glory" and "tradition."
- Status: Official, but currently under review for replacement.
Next Steps for the Curious
If you want to hear the song for yourself, you can find instrumental versions on the official Pennsylvania General Assembly website or YouTube. Just don't expect a pop hit.
The real action is going to be in the public hearings for the new commission. If you have a song—or a favorite local artist who you think captures the spirit of the Keystone State—keep an eye on the Pennsylvania House of Representatives' news feed. The state is finally ready to change its tune, and the next state song for Pennsylvania might actually be one you’ll remember.