The Beauty Of Colorado In Song: The State's Two Official Anthems

Do you know BOTH of Colorado's official state songs? The next time you are with friends at happy hour or sitting around the fire pit in the backyard, see how many of them know Colorado's two official state songs.

Colorado is nicknamed the Centennial State. The state motto is "Nil Sine Numine" (nothing without providence), the state tree is the Blue Spruce, and the state bird is the Lark Bunting. What about Colorado's official state songs?

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Colorado Has Two Official State Songs

Colorado's first official state song was written by A.J. Fynn in 1908. The song "Where the Columbines Grow" was adopted as Colorado's state song in 1915. The chorus fits the state perfectly.

Tis the land where the <a title="Aquilegia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquilegia">columbines</a> grow, Overlooking the plains far below, While the cool summer breeze in the evergreen trees, Softly sings where the columbines grow.

Colorado's Second Official State Song

Colorado's second official state song came years later in 1972. "Rocky Mountain High" by John Denver, was adopted by the state of Colorado and became our second state song in 2007.

But the Colorado Rocky Mountain high, I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky<br />The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby<br />Rocky Mountain High (Colorado), Rocky Mountain High (high in Colorado)

Should We Adopt More State Songs?

Some states in America go nuts with official state songs. Did you know that Tennessee has 12 state songs? How is anyone supposed to know them all? The state of Massachusetts has two official state songs and eight more honorary state songs.

So Colorado could adopt more songs if we wanted to. Titles brought up for consideration in the past include "Colorado" by Merle Haggard, and "Colorado" by David Kirby. Open our station app and tell us what song you would nominate as an addition to Colorado's official state songs.

KEEP GOING: 25 Colorado Phrases Out-Of-Towners Don't Understand

Western Colorado has plenty of phrases locals love to use that may not make much sense to someone visiting from out of town. We asked you to share some Colorado phrases that out-of-towners don't understand. Keep going to check out 25 phrases you can use to sound like a resident of the Western Slope.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

LOOK: 10 High Flying Facts About Colorado’s State Bird

Did you know many Coloradans don't know what our state bird looks like? The Lark Bunting migrates through Colorado from April to September. It's been the Centennial State's official bird since the 1930s.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

MORE: 5 Colorado State Parks That Are Totally Worth the Drive

Are you ready to head outside in 2024? Start the new year off right by exploring five of Colorado's beautiful state parks. These parks are open year-round with fun activities, rental cabins, camping, and wildlife. Take a closer look at each park in the gallery below.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams