New Jersey is one of only two states in the United States that does not have an official state song (the other is Virginia). Despite numerous efforts over the years to establish an official state song, none have been successful. So why is it that New Jersey still doesn’t have a state song?

One possible explanation is that New Jersey’s identity has always been complex and multifaceted, making it difficult to choose a single song that accurately represents the state and its people. New Jersey is a densely populated state that is home to a diverse array of cultures, languages, and traditions. Its history is rich and complex, featuring contributions from Native Americans, Dutch colonists, British settlers, and waves of immigrants from around the world.

Given this complexity, it’s not surprising that it has been difficult to find a song that resonates with all of New Jersey’s diverse communities. Some have argued that the state should choose a song that reflects its industrial and commercial heritage, while others have suggested that the state should celebrate its natural beauty and environmental conservation efforts.

Another reason why New Jersey doesn’t have a state song is that the idea of a state song has simply not been a priority for many lawmakers and government officials. In a state that faces a wide range of social, economic, and political challenges, it may seem frivolous to some to spend time and resources on selecting an official state song.
However, despite these challenges, there have been numerous attempts over the years to establish an official state song for New Jersey. In fact, as far back as the 1950s, the state legislature considered a bill that would have established “I’m from New Jersey” as the state song. The bill ultimately failed, however, and subsequent attempts to establish a state song have met with similar resistance.

One of the most high-profile efforts to establish a state song for New Jersey came in the 1980s, when musician and activist Pat Guadagno wrote a song called “The Garden State.” The song was specifically designed to be an anthem for New Jersey, with lyrics that celebrated the state’s natural beauty, its historic landmarks, and its contributions to American culture.

Despite its popularity among residents of the state, however, “The Garden State” never gained official recognition as the state song. Some critics argued that the song was too generic and lacking in specific references to New Jersey’s history and culture, while others felt that the song simply didn’t capture the essence of what it means to be a New Jerseyan.

More recently, in 2018, a group of students from Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Clifton, New Jersey, proposed a bill that would have established “I Love New Jersey” as the official state song. The bill quickly gained support from lawmakers and residents alike, with many people feeling that the song’s upbeat and optimistic lyrics were a perfect fit for the state.

Despite this support, however, the bill ultimately failed to pass, leaving New Jersey without an official state song once again.

So what does the future hold for New Jersey and its quest for an official state song? It’s hard to say. While there have been numerous attempts over the years to establish a state song, none have been successful so far. It’s possible that this is simply a reflection of the state’s complex and diverse identity, which makes it difficult to find a single song that resonates with all New Jerseyans.

At the same time, however, the idea of a state song is an important one, as it serves as a symbol of a state’s identity and culture. For this reason, it’s likely that there will continue to be efforts to establish an official state song for New Jersey in the years to come.

In the meantime, New Jerseyans can take comfort in the fact that they have numerous songs that celebrate the state.

One reason why some have been hesitant to establish an official state song for New Jersey is that the idea of a state song can be seen as outdated or unnecessary in today’s society. Some argue that a state song serves little practical purpose and that the time and resources required to establish one could be better spent addressing more pressing issues.

Others argue that the idea of a state song is a relic of a bygone era, when states were more focused on promoting their own distinct identities and cultures. In today’s globalized and interconnected world, some argue, state borders are becoming increasingly blurred, making it less important to establish a unique identity for each state.

However, despite these arguments, there are many who believe that an official state song is an important symbol of a state’s culture and heritage. For many people, a state song represents a shared sense of pride and identity, and can serve as a unifying force that brings people together across different communities and backgrounds.

Furthermore, the absence of an official state song can be seen as a missed opportunity to celebrate and promote New Jersey’s unique contributions to American culture. From Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi to Frank Sinatra and Whitney Houston, New Jersey has produced some of the most iconic musicians and entertainers in history. By establishing an official state song, New Jersey could help to highlight these contributions and showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage.

In addition, an official state song could also serve as a valuable marketing tool for the state, helping to promote tourism and attract new businesses and residents. By establishing a recognizable and memorable song that represents the state, New Jersey could help to distinguish itself from other states and draw attention to its many attractions and resources.

Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the idea of an official state song for New Jersey, it’s clear that the issue is still important to many residents of the state. As the state continues to evolve and change, it’s possible that a new song will emerge that captures the essence of what it means to be a New Jerseyan, and that this song will finally be recognized as the official state song of New Jersey.

Read additional article here:
https://www.nj.com/politics/2014/09/5_state_songs_for_nj_lawmakers_want_to_make_it_happen.html