"Hail! Minnesota" (also simply called "Minnesota" in early years) is the state song of Minnesota, and a variation is used as a school song of the University of Minnesota. It originated at the university in the 1900s decade when some students decided to honor their graduating class with a new song. In 1945, the Minnesota State Legislature approved the tune as the state song.

History

The song was first composed by Truman Rickard in 1904 and was performed on Class Day, May 28. The songs second verse originally honored the school's president, Cyrus Northrop , who went by the nickname "Prexy". Northrop appreciated the gesture, but preferred to have the song reflect the school and state rather than himself. A new second verse was written by Arthur Upson , an editor at the campus newspaper, the Minnesota Daily.

In the next few years, the song gained popularity, and was even sung at football games whenever there was a touchdown. However, the slow ballad proved to be incongruous with the atmosphere at an athletic event like that, so it was eventually succeeded in that role by "The Minnesota Rouser ." Rickard also went on to write another school song, "Minnesota Fight ."

The University of Minnesota Marching Band sings the song at the end of every practice and performance, so Golden Gopher football fans who stay for the band's post-game performance can hear the song.

State version

Minnesota, hail to thee!

Hail to thee, our state so dear,

Thy light shall ever be

A beacon bright and clear.

Thy son and daughters true

Will proclaim thee near and far,

They shall guard thy fame and adore thy name;

Thou shalt be their Northern Star!

Like the stream that bends to sea,

Like the pine that seeks the blue;

Minnesota, still for thee

Thy sons are strong and true.

From the woods and waters fair;

From the prairies waving far,

At thy call they throng with their shout and song;

Hailing thee their Northern Star!

University version

Minnesota, hail to thee!

Hail to thee, our college dear!

Thy light shall ever be

A beacon bright and clear.

Thy sons and daughters true

Will proclaim thee near and far.

They will guard thy fame, and adore thy name;

Thou shalt be their Northern Star!

Currently, the second verse is same as above, although it originally honored the school's president:

Hail to thee our Prexy, Sire,

Thou hast made us all thine own,

And our hearts one boon aspire.

That our love may be thy throne.

Throughout our future years

Naught can e'er thy memory mar.

We will guard thy fame

And adore thy name,

Thou shalt be our Northern Star.

References

• (1992). Hail! Minnesota. Minnesota Hats Off to Thee. The University of Minnesota Band Alumni Society. Web version retrieved from marching band website, December 20, 2004.