State of Ohio Revised Code

The State Song

"Beautiful Ohio" became the state song in 1969. The music was composed by Mary Earl, and the original lyrics were written by Ballard MacDonald. In 1989, the Ohio legislature adopted an amendment to section 5.09 of the Ohio Revised Code that changed the words of the state song. The new lyrics are the work of Youngstown attorney Wilbert McBride. Here is the section of the Ohio Revised Code describing the state song:

5.09 State song

The song, "Beautiful Ohio," is hereby adopted as the official song of the state, the lyric being written by Ballard MacDonald, with special lyrics by Wilbert B. McBride, and the music being composed by Mary Earl. The special lyrics are as follows:

        I sailed away;
        Wandered afar;
        Crossed the mighty restless sea;
        Looked for where I ought to be.
        Cities so grand, mountains above,
        Led to this land I love.
   Chorus
        Beautiful Ohio, where the golden grain
        Dwarf the lovely flowers in the summer rain.
        Cities rising high, silhouette the sky.
        Freedom is supreme in this majestic land;
        Mighty factories seem to hum in tune, so grand.
        Beautiful Ohio, thy wonders are in view,
        Land where my dreams all come true!

(1989 S 33, eff. 11-6-89; 1969 H 457)