Rhode Island State March

"Rhode Island"

Words and music by T. Clark Brown

Adopted in 1946 as the State Song.
Replaced in 1996 by "Rhode Island's it For Me."

"Rhode Island" was adopted as the official song of Rhode Island on April 30, 1946. However, in 1996, a bill was approved in the General Assembly that replaced "Rhode Island" as the official state song with "Rhode Island's It for Me" and designated "Rhode Island" the official state march.

Rhode Island State March: "Rhode Island"

"Rhode Island"

Here's to you, belov'd RHODE ISLAND,
With your Hills and Ocean Shore.
We are proud to hail you RHODY
And your patriots of yore.

First to claim your independence,
Great your heritage and fame.
The smallest State in all the Union,
We will glorify your name!

Origin of Song: "Rhode Island"

The song, "Rhode Island", words and music by Thomas Clarke Brown (1885-1953), was adopted as the official song of Rhode Island on April 30, 1946. However, in 1996, a bill was approved in the General Assembly that replaced "Rhode Island" as the official state song with "Rhode Island's It for Me" and designated "Rhode Island" the official state march.

Rhode Island Law

Rhode Island General Statutes, Title 42, Chapter 42-4, Section 42-4-4.1.

TITLE 42. State Affairs and Government
CHAPTER 42-4. State Emblems
SECTION SECTION 42-4-4.1

§ 42-4-4.1 State march.
(a) The song entitled "Rhode Island," words and music by T. Clarke Brown, shall be and is hereby established as and declared to be the state march.
(b) The words and the musical presentation of the state march shall be as follows:

Here's to you, belov'd RHODE ISLAND,
With your Hills and Ocean Shore.
We are proud to hail you RHODY
And your patriots of yore.

First to claim your independence,
Great your heritage and fame.
The smallest State in all the Union,
We will glorify your name!