You've probably heard it at a high school football game or a formal ceremony at the state capitol. It starts with that swelling, slightly old-fashioned orchestral flourish. Then everyone stands up. Most people hum along, but if you look closely, you’ll see the true-blue locals belt out the state song of Texas lyrics with a level of intensity usually reserved for "Deep in the Heart of Texas." There's a difference, though. While the song about clapping hands and stars at night is the unofficial party anthem, "Texas, Our Texas" is the official law of the land. It’s the hymn of the Republic. Honestly, it’s kind of a vocal workout.
Most people don’t realize that the song wasn't just some random poem picked out of a hat. It was the winner of a massive statewide contest back in the 1920s. The Texas Legislature actually held a competition to find a song that captured the "spirit" of the state. Out of hundreds of entries, this one rose to the top. It was written by William J. Marsh and Gladys Yoakum Wright. Marsh was actually an immigrant from England who moved to Fort Worth and became a massive figure in the local music scene. It’s a bit ironic, isn't it? One of the most "Texas" things ever created was composed by a guy born in Liverpool.
The Actual State Song of Texas Lyrics You Need to Know
If you’re going to sing it, you might as well get the words right. There are three stanzas, though most people usually just memorize the first one and the chorus.
Texas, Our Texas! all hail the mighty State!
Texas, Our Texas! so wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, withstanding ev’ry test
O Empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest.
Then comes the chorus, which is where everyone usually finds their voice:
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
The second and third stanzas dive deeper into the history and the physical landscape. They talk about "Greatest and best" and "Emblem of Freedom! It sets our hearts aglow." It’s very much a product of its time—pompous, grand, and unapologetically proud. But there is one tiny, massive detail people miss. The lyrics actually changed once. Originally, the line in the third stanza read "Largest and best," referring to Texas being the biggest state in the Union. Then Alaska showed up in 1959. Suddenly, Texas was the second-largest state. Instead of throwing the whole song out, the legislature just swapped "Largest" for "Greatest." Problem solved. Texas pride, 1; Geography, 0.
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Why the Music Feels Like a Movie Score
William J. Marsh didn’t just write a ditty. He wrote a march. If you listen to the cadence, it feels like something you’d hear in a black-and-white film about a cavalry charge. Marsh was a serious composer. He taught at Texas Christian University (TCU) and led choral societies. He wanted something that felt permanent.
Because the song is officially adopted by the state, there’s actually a protocol for how it's handled. It’s not just a suggestion. According to the Texas Government Code, Section 3101.005, the state song should be sung "at appropriate state occasions." It’s treated with a level of reverence that's basically one step below the national anthem.
I’ve seen people get genuinely misty-eyed during the chorus. There’s something about the way the melody climbs on the words "brave and strong" that hits a nerve. It taps into that specific Texan identity that bridges the gap between being a state and being what many residents still think of as a sovereign entity. It’s a "state" song, but it feels like a national one.
The Competition That Started It All
Back in 1923, Governor Pat Neff decided Texas needed its own musical brand. The contest was a big deal. We’re talking about a time when radio was just starting to explode and local pride was the primary form of entertainment. Marsh and Wright’s entry didn't just win overnight. It took years of deliberation. It wasn't officially adopted until 1929.
Think about that timeline. The song was born right on the cusp of the Great Depression. It was adopted during a period of massive transition for the state. We were moving from a purely agrarian society into the oil boom era. The lyrics reflect that sense of "withstanding ev’ry test." It was a rallying cry for a population that was about to go through some of the hardest economic years in American history.
Common Misconceptions About the Song
People constantly confuse the state song of Texas lyrics with other famous Texas tunes.
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- "The Eyes of Texas": This is the University of Texas alma mater. While it’s iconic, it’s not the state song. It actually has a bit of a complicated history involving minstrel shows, which has led to a lot of modern debate.
- "Deep in the Heart of Texas": Probably the most famous Texas song globally. It’s catchy, it has the claps, but it’s a popular song, not a legal one.
- "Yellow Rose of Texas": A folk song from the mid-19th century. Great tune, but again, it’s more of a ballad than an anthem.
"Texas, Our Texas" is the only one that has the official stamp of approval from the guys in Austin. It’s the one played at gubernatorial inaugurations. If you’re at a Dallas Cowboys game, you might hear the others. If you’re at the State Capitol, you’re hearing Marsh’s masterpiece.
A British Composer for a Texas Anthem?
It’s worth circling back to William Marsh. He wasn't some guy who visited Texas on vacation. He lived there for 46 years. He died in Fort Worth in 1971. He was as Texan as anyone born in Lubbock or Laredo. He actually wrote an entire mass dedicated to the state. His contribution to the cultural fabric of Texas is massive, yet most people have no idea who he was.
Gladys Yoakum Wright, the co-lyricist, was also a heavy hitter in the Texas poetry and music scene. She was born in Texas and spent her life involved in various musical clubs. Together, they created a piece of work that has survived nearly a century without losing its relevance. It’s rare for a state song to actually stay popular. Most states have them, but ask a guy in Delaware or Idaho to sing their state song and you’ll get a blank stare. In Texas, people actually know the words. Or at least they know when to start humming loudly.
How to Teach the Lyrics to the Next Generation
If you’re a teacher or a parent trying to pass this down, the best way isn't through a textbook. It’s through the stories. Tell the kids about the "Largest" vs. "Greatest" swap. That always gets a laugh. It shows that Texans are adaptable but also incredibly proud.
You can also point out the vocabulary. "Empire wide" is a bold phrase. It harks back to the days when Texas was its own country. Most states don’t call themselves an empire. But Texas isn't most states. The lyrics are a gateway into a conversation about the Texas Revolution, the Republic years, and the sheer scale of the land.
- Listen to various versions: Find the 1920s original recordings vs. a modern high school band version.
- Analyze the word "Greatest": Talk about why that change was made and what it says about the Texas ego (in a good way).
- Sing the chorus together: It’s designed for a crowd. The more voices, the better it sounds.
Actionable Steps for Using the Song
If you’re planning an event or just want to be a better-informed Texan, here is how you handle the "Texas, Our Texas" situation:
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1. Know the etiquette.
When the song starts, you stand. You don't necessarily have to take your hat off like you do for the national anthem (though many do), but you definitely stop talking. It’s a sign of respect for the history of the state.
2. Learn the high notes.
The song has a pretty wide range. If you’re leading a group, start in a lower key than you think you need. By the time you get to "God bless you Texas," the melody jumps up. If you start too high, you’re going to be screeching by the end.
3. Use it in ceremonies.
If you are organizing a scouting event, a local government meeting, or a school assembly in Texas, including the state song is a great way to ground the event in local tradition. You can find sheet music easily through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
4. Visit the historical markers.
There are markers dedicated to William J. Marsh and the song’s history. If you’re ever in Fort Worth, look up his history. It adds a layer of depth to the lyrics when you realize the person who wrote them was a real human being who loved his adopted home.
The state song of Texas lyrics are more than just words on a page. They are a snapshot of 1920s optimism, a reflection of 1950s geopolitical reality, and a continuing source of identity for millions of people today. Whether you find them a bit cheesy or deeply moving, they are undeniably ours. Next time you hear those opening notes, don't just stand there. Join in on the "Greatest and best" part. You’ll feel like a true Texan in no time.