Lyrics rooted in white supremacist sentiment : Lawmakers consider changing Oregon s state song
Some may not even realize Oregon has a state song. Many who do have been trying to get it changed or replaced for years. Author: Katherine Cook Updated: 5:45 AM PST February 5, 2021
PORTLAND, Ore. An effort is underway to change Oregon s official state song. Many believe some of the lyrics in Oregon my Oregon, are racist and on the wrong side of Oregon s history. Written in 1920 by John Andrew Buchanan, Oregon my Oregon was the winning entry of a state song contest. Some of the controversial lyrics include this stanza: Land of the empire builders, land of the golden west; conquered and held by free men, fairest and the best. The line, Blest by the blood of martyrs is also controversial.