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'On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away' is the state of Indiana's official state song. Written and Composed by Paul Dresser, the Indiana General Assembly adopted it as the official state song March 14, 1913. The song speaks of the Wabash River, which flows through the state.
There is also a Swedish language text of the song, known as 'Barndomshemmet' (= The childhood home) with lyrics by Karl-Ewert. The Swedish text is about the emigration from Sweden to the USA and was an early hit for Ernst Rolf.

Contents

Lyrics

Traditions

External link

Lyrics

'Round my Indiana homestead wave the cornfields,

In the distance loom the woodlands clear and cool.

Oftentimes my thoughts revert to scenes of childhood,

Where I first received my lessons, nature's school.

But one thing there is missing in the picture,

Without her face it seems so incomplete.

I long to see my mother in the doorway,

As she stood there years ago, her boy to greet.

(Chorus)

Oh, the moonlight's fair tonight along the Wabash,

From the fields there comes the breath of newmown hay.

Through the sycamores the candle lights are gleaming,

On the banks of the Wabash, far away.

Many years have passed since I strolled by the river,

Arm in arm, with sweetheart Mary by my side,

It was there I tried to tell her that I loved her,

It was there I begged of her to be my bride.

Long years have passed since I strolled thro' the churchyard.

She's sleeping there, my angel, Mary dear,

I loved her, but she thought I didn't mean it,

Still I'd give my future were she only here.

Traditions

During pre-race ceremonies for the Indianapolis 500, the Purdue University All-American Marching Band plays the song traditionally as the race cars are wheeled into the starting grid.

External link

★ State Information Center