The Pennsylvania state seal in Harrisburg. File photo.
In 1990, the state legislature adopted the current state song, “Pennsylvania” by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner
State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s resolution to study replacing the state song was adopted with bipartisan support Tuesday by the PA House of Representatives.
“A compelling state song drives tourism,” Ciresi said. “Our state song should extoll all the things that make Pennsylvania great in a catchy, memorable way.
“Think about it: Ray Charles singing Georgia is always on his mind, John Denver about West Virgina’s country roads and the millions of songs extolling New York. These songs have lodged themselves in the public’s mind about these states. And Pennsylvania? We have an utterly forgettable song that does not represent the dynamic state we are living in. With the 250th anniversary of the United States coming up in 2026, the Keystone State of our country should have a song worth singing, that represents who we are as a people.”
In 1990, the state legislature adopted the current state song, “Pennsylvania” by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner. State law established this as Pennsylvania’s official song for all public purposes, and the song is often performed at public events, such as gubernatorial inaugurations.
“State symbols bring us together,” Ciresi said. “When we see our state flag and hear our state song, we should be able to share our commonality and celebrate our heritage as fellow Pennsylvanians. Unfortunately, our current state song is known by few and does not reflect the dynamism and diversity of Pennsylvania today.
“In the three decades since the state song was adopted, Pennsylvania has changed greatly, and our state song should embody the spirit of our commonwealth.”.
The resolution (H.R. 25) would establish an independent commission to study the history of the state song, solicit submissions from the public, and recommend changes to the state song. The legislature would then have the option of passing legislation to change the state song based on the commission’s recommendation.
An identical resolution was adopted by the House with bipartisan support in the previous legislative session.
House Resolution 25 is now on its way to the state Senate for consideration
