In charming civic-type news, The Flaming Lips' "Do You Realize??" has been nominated for official Oklahoma rock song, apparently the token indie rock entry in a list that includes the likes of Elvis Presley and, well, Oklahoma. As Pitchfork writes:
"Oklahoma already has an official state song ("Oklahoma," from the musical, natch), a state folk song, and a state country-and-western tune. What they don't have just yet is an official state rock'n'roll song. And that is where you come in."
The state legislature has ordered Oklahomans to vote here before Nov. 15 — though as far as I can tell, anyone can vote, 'cause the computer has no way of knowing whether or not you're an Oklahoman — for whichever rock song you like.
This is a pretty fun idea, so I think we should start thinking of the official rock songs for the rest of the 49 states! For example, it seems to me Washington should probably at least nominate "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana as one of theirs (it seems the Evergreen State only has a state folk song). Maybe something from my 50 Songs for 50 States challenge could get you started.
What do you think? What other songs would you nominate for which states?
Laura Scott
Dolce & Gabbana
S***r
For California I propose Joni Mitchell's "California" or Call and Response's "California Floating in Space."
Also, while Tupac's "California Love" isn't a rock song, it does indeed rock and so deserves a mention with conversation about the songs of the currently budget-less state of California.
1Bob Dylan is a native of my home state, Minnesota. This being the case, I would have to go with "Everybody Must Get Stoned." :woohoo"
2Ooops! I meant
And no, I'm NOT stoned!
3Since I'm from California the only song I can really think of is "California" by Phantom Planet just because the O.C!
4I'm in FL. But I have no idea. LOL Any good ideas for me ladies?
5"California Stars" by Wilco.
6I would go with "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas and The Papas, but it is so hard to choose from the hundreds of songs that have been written about California:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_about_California
7Connecticut? I live in a tough state! I am totally going to have to stretch it until I come up with something better...'Peace Frog' by The Doors. Part of the song deals with Jim Morrison's arrest at Toad's Place and the riot that ensued after in New Haven. That's all I got for now.
8I'm also from Connecticut; not an easy to state to think of an offical rock song. The only song I can think of right now is" Island In The Sun by Weezer (Rivers Cuomo was raised in CT)." Maybe even a song by John Mayer would work.
9The Scorpions, Rock You Like a Hurricane. I'm in Louisiana.
10Indiana - "Small Town" by John Mellencamp!
11"Meet Virginia" - Train
Although I am a Hokie, so I guess I should say "Enter
Sandman" 
.
12This is exciting news! I was part of the Flaming Lips show when they accepted "Flaming Lips Alley" in Downtown Oklahoma City. And dear Lord I'm SOOOO sick and tired of the song "Oklahoma."
13What about Arkansas??
14For Michigan, Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" for a variety of reasons!
15I'll stick with Hang on Sloopy for Ohio. (It's already the state's rock song.)
16Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.