Information AboutOklahoma! (song) |
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The song employs the entire cast as a chorus and before the familiar melody, there is a refrain in which various characters sing of the fruits of the land "''gonna give you barley, carrots and pertaters''". The lyric describes the landscape in positive (some might say idylic) language and also places emphasis on the pleasant aspects of rural life. In 1953, under the leadership of then future Governor George Nigh (who authored the bill) "Oklahoma!" became the State Song of the state of Oklahoma . After Governor Johnston Murray signed the bill into law, he gave Nigh the pen with which he used to sign the bill. Later that night, Nigh led the official first performance of "Oklahoma!" as the State Song. The Oklahoma State University Cowboy Marching Band plays a version of the song at sporting events. It is tradition to yell "State!" at the end of the song to show school pride. The school has received permission from Rodgers and Hammerstein to change the ending of the song to include the word "state." The University Of Oklahoma Sooner Marching Band also has their unique version of the song, ending with the first chords to Boomer Sooner , the university's fight song, at the end of the tune. On his radio program, Garrison Keillor once led his troupe in singing the song, and pointing out the importance of getting the "Yeeows!" just right. EXTERNAL LINKS |
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