Hank Silverberg, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Virginia dumped its historic state song back in 1997 because of its racist overtones, but finding a new one remains elusive.
“Carry Me Back to Old Virginny” was written in 1878 by an African American minstrel named James Bland. But it was retired after being the state song since 1940 because of complaints about the lyrics from African Americans.
An example of lyrics that some found offensive include this line: “Carry me back to old Virginny. There’s where this old darkey’s heart am long’d to go.”
The traditional “Shenandoah” had been among the favorites, until it was noted that the song mentions Missouri – a reference to the Missouri River and does not mention Virginia.
Evi Bergin, a Richmond woman, wrote a song called “At Home Virginia,” which struck a cord with many people because it included lyrics about the state’s beauty and its history as the “Mother of Presidents.”
But last Tuesday, a House committee tabled a bill that would have made “At Home Virginia” the state song.
Listen to “At Home Virginia” below:
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