Old Folks at Home was written by Stephen Foster -- who had never actually been to Florida. He original wrote it about the PeeDee River, but decided that didn't have quite the right ring to it. Smart man.
I'd really like a state song that avoids words like "ribber" and "darkies" -- but that's just me. I'd like a song you could proudly sing at a public gathering. I'd like a state song that has something positive and specific to say about our state -- preferably by someone who has lived here or at least has visited. Keep Old Folks at Home as the "Historic State Song" or something -- keep the history, lose the song.
Since when do people join in to sing any state song at public gatherings?
“Darkies” is an old term but in no way negative.