What's on my mind: (1/24/00)

For those who care and those who don't

I got these lyrics of Texas songs in an e-mail, and I thought I'd share them. There is nothing like Texas pride. It's a very strange thing. One summer (of '94, I believe) I went to an outdoor concert on July 4th, and there was a section when they played a bunch of Texas classics and the entire crowd was very very into it. My goodness.

Anyway, they're frightening. The Eyes of Texas is the UT song, and it's sung to the melody of "I've been working on the railroad." Anyway, it creeps my sister out proper. Seriously, it's just creepy, like these eyeballs are stuck on you or something.

Texas anthems. Interesting reading.

Deep in the Heart of Texas

The stars at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas,
The prairie sky is wide and high, deep in the heart of Texas.
The sage in bloom is like perfume, deep in the heart of Texas,
Reminds me of, the one I love, deep in the heart of Texas.
The coyotes wail, along the trail, deep in the heart of Texas,
The rabbits rush, aroung the brush, deep in the heart of Texas.
The cowboys cry, "Ki-yip-pee-yi," deep in the heart of Texas,
The dogies bawl, and bawl and bawl, deep in the heart of Texas.

Texas, Our Texas
Texas, Our Texas! all hail the mighty State!
Texas, Our Texas! so wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, withstanding ev'ry test
O Empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest.

[CHORUS]
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
Texas, O Texas! your freeborn single star,
Sends out its radiance to nations near and far,
Emblem of Freedom! it set our hearts aglow,
With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo. [to chorus]
Texas, dear Texas! from tyrant grip now free,
Shines forth in splendor, your star of destiny!
Mother of heroes, we come your children true,
Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you. [to chorus]

All My Exes Live in Texas

[CHORUS]
All my ex's live in Texas, and Texas is a place I'd dearly love to be.
But all my ex's live in Texas, and that's why I hang my hat in Tennessee.
Rosanna's down in Texarkana; wanted me to push her broom.
And sweet Ilene's in Abilene; she forgot I hung the moon.
And Allison in Galveston, somehow lost her sanity.
An Dimples who now lives in Temple's got the law lookin' for me. [to chorus]

I remember that old Brazos River where I learned to swim,
But it brings to mind another time where I wore my welcome thin.
By transcendental meditation, I go there each night.
But I always com back to myself long before daylight. [to chorus]

Some folks think I hide; It's been rumored that I died,
but I'm alive and well in Tennessee.

Beautiful, Beautiful Texas

Oh, beautiful, beautiful Texas
The most beautiful state that I know.
We're proud of our forefathers,
Who fought at the Alamo.
You may live on the plains or the mountains
Or down where the sea breezes blow,
But, you'll still be in beautiful Texas
The most beautiful state that I know.

The Eyes of Texas

The eyes of Texas are upon you, all the live-long day.
The eyes of Texas are upon you, you cannot get away.
Do not think you can escape them, at night or early in the morn.
The eyes of Texas are upon you, till Gabriel blows his horn.