Utah State Hymn - "Utah, We Love Thee"
In 2003, the Utah State Legislature, in HB223, voted to change the state song to "Utah, This is the Place." In 1996, Sam and Gary Francis wrote "Utah, This is the Place" for Utah's centennial celebration. Rep. Dana Love, R-Syracuse, sponsored the change at the behest of the Cook Elementary School in Syracuse. See the Utah State Song for more information.
The first Utah State Song (now State Hymn), entitled Utah We Love Thee written by Evan Stephens, was adopted by the State Legislature on February 17, 1937, to become effective on February 24, 1937 (Utah Code). The author builds the theme of this song about Utah's mountains, sunny skies, State flag, pioneers, and closes by predicting that Utah will grow along the lines of wealth, peace, fame, and glory. He also stresses the great love of the people of Utah for their State. This song with words and music was published by the Deseret Sunday School Union, Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1917.
Land of the mountains high, Utah, we love thee!
Land of the sunny sky, Utah, we love thee!
Far in the glorious west, Throned on the mountain's crest,
In robes of statehood dressed, Utah, we love thee!
Columbia's newest star, Utah, we love thee!
Thy lustre shines afar, Utah, we love thee!
Bright in our banner's blue, Among her sisters true,
She proudly comes to view, Utah, we love thee!
Land of the pioneers, Utah, we love thee!
Grow with the coming years, Utah, we love thee!
With wealth and peace in store, To fame and glory soar,
God guarded, evermore, Utah, we love thee!