Oregon Lawmakers Approve Changes to 94-Year-Old State Song
The lyrics to “Oregon, My Oregon,” which activists called racist, will be modified to reflect “significant cultural, historical, economic and societal evolution in Oregon,” a resolution said.
The Oregon Legislature approved changes to the lyrics of the state song, replacing several lines, including language about “empire builders.”Credit.Andrew Selsky/Associated Press
June 9, 2021Updated 4:20 p.m. ET
Oregon lawmakers approved new lyrics for their state song this week, removing language that activists called racist and saying the song should reflect how Oregon has changed in the 94 years since it was adopted.
The resolution, which the State Senate passed 23-5 on Monday, would preserve the music of the state song, “Oregon, My Oregon,” but change the lyrics to reflect the “significant cultural, historical, economic and societal evolution in Oregon,” according to its text.
May 28—Before we begin, how about we all gather 'round and sing the Official State Song of Oregon? No? Forget the words? OK, maybe just hum a few bars? Still stumped? Hmmm . let's start simple: Name the Official State Song of Oregon. Oh. Don't fret, I'm pretty sure I've never heard it performed either. Truth is, "Oregon, My Oregon" was barely a blip on the horizon until a month or so ago. .