The State Song of New Jersey is “I’m From New Jersey,” a lively and upbeat tune that celebrates the state’s rich cultural heritage, history, and diverse communities. Written by Red Mascara in 1960, the song has become an enduring symbol of pride for New Jersey residents, and is often played at sporting events, parades, and other public gatherings.

The lyrics of “I’m From New Jersey” paint a vivid picture of the state’s unique character and identity, highlighting its famous landmarks, cities, and cultural traditions. From Atlantic City to the Jersey Shore, the song captures the spirit of New Jersey and its people, with lyrics like “I’m from New Jersey and I’m proud about it / Got a lot of friends who live out in the street / Got the boys from New York City beat / I’m from New Jersey and I’m proud about it / Got a lot of friends who live out in the sticks / Got the Jersey pride and that’s hard to fix.”

One of the most striking features of “I’m From New Jersey” is its catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The song’s lively rhythm and energetic chorus have made it a favorite among New Jersey residents, who often sing it with great enthusiasm at public events and gatherings. The song’s upbeat and optimistic tone reflects the state’s optimistic and resilient spirit, and serves as a reminder of the many unique and wonderful things that make New Jersey a great place to live.

Despite its enduring popularity, “I’m From New Jersey” has not been without controversy. Some critics have argued that the song’s lyrics perpetuate stereotypes about New Jersey, portraying the state as a place full of tough-talking, street-smart toughs. Others have suggested that the song’s references to cities like Atlantic City and Newark are outdated, and fail to acknowledge the state’s many other vibrant communities and cultural traditions.

Despite these criticisms, “I’m From New Jersey” remains a beloved symbol of the state’s cultural heritage and identity. The song captures the spirit of the state’s diverse communities and celebrates the unique character and history of New Jersey. Whether played at a local bar or sung at a public event, the song serves as a reminder of the many things that make New Jersey a great place to live, work, and play.
The history of “I’m From New Jersey” dates back to the early 1960s, when songwriter Red Mascara penned the lyrics and melody as part of a contest to find a new state song. Mascara, a native of Newark, New Jersey, was inspired by the state’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant communities, and set out to create a song that would capture the spirit of New Jersey in all its glory.

Mascara’s efforts paid off, and “I’m From New Jersey” was chosen as the official state song in 1972, replacing “The New Jersey State Song,” which had been the state’s official anthem since 1939. Since then, the song has become an enduring symbol of New Jersey’s cultural identity, and is often played at public events and gatherings throughout the state.

The lyrics of “I’m From New Jersey” are full of references to the state’s rich history and cultural heritage. From the song’s opening lines, which declare “I’m from New Jersey and I’m proud about it,” to its references to the state’s famous landmarks and cultural traditions, the song celebrates all that makes New Jersey a great place to live.

For example, the song’s chorus includes the line “From the sourlands to the sea,” which references the state’s diverse geography and natural beauty. The sourlands are a hilly region in central New Jersey known for its unique ecosystem, while the sea refers to the state’s famous coastline, which is home to some of the most popular beaches in the country.

The song also pays homage to some of the state’s most famous landmarks and cultural icons, including Atlantic City, the Jersey Shore, and the Garden State Parkway. These references serve as a reminder of the state’s rich history and unique cultural heritage, and highlight the many reasons why New Jersey is such a special place.

Despite its many references to the state’s past and present, “I’m From New Jersey” is more than just a song about the state’s landmarks and cultural icons. It’s also a song about the people who call New Jersey home, and the unique spirit and identity that unites them.

Throughout the song, Mascara sings about the many different communities that make up New Jersey, from the “boys in New York City” to the “friends who live out in the sticks.” These references serve as a reminder of the state’s diverse population, and highlight the many different cultural traditions and ways of life that make New Jersey such a vibrant and dynamic place.

At the same time, the song’s lyrics also celebrate the state’s shared identity and sense of community. Whether you’re from the city or the suburbs, the shore or the mountains, the song suggests, there’s something about being from New Jersey that unites us all.

This sense of shared identity is further reinforced by the song’s infectious melody and catchy chorus. With its upbeat tempo and sing-along chorus, “I’m From New Jersey” has become an anthem for residents of the state, a rallying cry that brings people together and reminds them of all the things that make their home so special.

Of course, like any cultural artifact, “I’m From New Jersey” has not been without its controversies. Some have criticized the song’s lyrics as being overly simplistic and focused on stereotypes of the state’s urban areas and working-class communities.
Others have suggested that the song’s references to Atlantic City and Newark are outdated and fail to acknowledge the many other vibrant communities and cultural traditions that make New Jersey such a unique and special place.

Despite these criticisms, however, “I’m From New Jersey” continues to be a beloved symbol of the state’s cultural identity and heritage. For many residents of the state, the song is more than just a catchy tune or a fun sing-along; it’s a source of pride and a reminder of all the things that make New Jersey a great place to live.

Ultimately, the enduring popularity of “I’m From New Jersey” speaks to the power of music as a cultural artifact, and to the deep connections that people feel to their homes and communities. Whether you’re a lifelong resident of the state or a newcomer, whether you’re from the city or the suburbs, the shore or the mountains, there’s something about this song that captures the spirit and identity of New Jersey, and that makes it a beloved symbol of the state’s unique cultural heritage.