NEW FLORIDA STATE SONG

LOUIS ARMSTRONG | 12-03-07 | Paul Holmes

[armstrong]

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD LOUIS ARMSTRONG

I SEE TREES OF GREEN, RED ROSES TOO, I SEE THEM BLOOM FOR ME AND YOU AND I THINK TO MYSELF WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD.

I SEE SKIES OF BLUE AND CLOUDS OF WHITE, BRIGHT BLESSED DAYS, DARK SACRED NIGHTS AND I THINK TO MYSELF WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD.

THE COLORS OF THE RAINBOW SO PRETTY IN THE SKIES ALSO ON THE FACES OF PEOPLE GOING BY I SEE FRIENDS SHAKING HANDS SAYING HOW DO YOU DO, THEY’ER REALLY SAYING I LOVE YOU.

I HEAR BABIES CRY, I WATCH THEM GROW THEY’LL LEARN MUCH MORE THAN I’LL EVER KNOW AND I THINK TO MYSELF WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD;

YES I THINK TO MYSELF, WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD.

[DeLaine]

I’m a newbie, but not this dumb!

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

Welcome to FR!

We’re watching you.........

;-)

[scrabblehack]

Hmm...no connection to Florida, is there?

Virginia retired their old state song, “Carry Me Back To Ol’ Virginny,” but they couldn’t agree on a new song.

Hmm...a number of sources cite “Swanee River” as the official state song, for instance:

http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/song/fl_swanee_river.htm

I take it this is a nomination for a new state song rather than an announcement.

[DeLaine]

Thank you for the welcome, but ...why are you watching me?
Did I do something wrong already? Oh no!

[Monterrosa-24]

You must not have heard “Old Folks at Home” sung the way it is supposed to be. It is one of the most beautiful sentimental songs ever.

Since when do people join in to sing any state song at public gatherings?

“Darkies” is an old term but in no way negative.

[dfwgator]

We are the Boys of old Florida
F-L-O-R-I-D-A

Where girls are the fairest
The boys are the squarest
Of any old state down our way

We are all strong for old Florida
Down where the old Gators play (GO GATORS!)
In all kinds of weather, we all stick together
For F-L-O-R-I-D-A

[Chanticleer]

Oh, I've heard it. I like Stephen Foster. I even own a very old book of his music. He was a real talent. That's what made the powers that be select it for the state song. But he wasn't a Floridian, nor did he write the song about Florida or even visit the state.

And no, at the time, I don't believe he meant "darkies" to be denigrating. But times have changed. I have many black neighbors and friends, and I would never refer to them as "darkies."

What's the point of having a state song if it isn't played or sung somewhere -- at a state event or something? I'd be very interested to see the reaction of the players if someone were to play and sing Old Folks at Home at a Florida university sporting event. I imagine it wouldn't be pretty.

[armstrong]

I think the state and the wonderful schools makes it the appropriate song for the state of Florida.

[armstrong]

no, but when I think of the beauty of Florida and the wonderful schools it has I think of that song.

[armstrong]

I think the song "what a wonderful world" describes the beauty of Florida and the wonderful schools it has.

[VeniVidiVici]

We know. You’ve told us twice. To what schools are you referring?

And what’s wrong with the old song?

[armstrong]

because Florida has all the makings of a wonderful world, great schools and beautiful beaches.

[armstrong]

the state asked to change the song. I am referring to all of the great schools in the state; fsu, famu, u of f, u of miami bcu and so on.