The state song of New Jersey is called I'm From New Jersey and was written by a man named Red Mascara. Interestingly, this song is only unofficially the state song — the New Jersey legislative houses voted to make it the official song in 1972, but the governor of the state vetoed the bill. Likewise, there have been many other attempts to create an official state song of New Jersey, but so far, none of them have been successful. This state's lack of an official song is particularly interesting due, in part, to the fact that it is the only US state that does not have an official state song.
Unlike all of the other states in the US, New Jersey does not have an official state song. While there have been attempts to pass laws making a song official for the state, none have made it that far. One song, which is called I'm From New Jersey, almost made it to official status in 1972. As such, I'm From New Jersey is typically referred to as the state's unofficial song.
The unofficial state song of New Jersey is credited to a man named Red Mascara, who wrote both its words and music. Mascara is a New Jersey native who says he wrote the song as an expression of his pride in the state. Perhaps thinking others would also enjoy using the song to express their pride in the state, Mascara put many years of effort into having it declared official.
In 1972, when the song nearly became official, it won the vote in both of the state's legislative houses. When it finally had its chance in front of the governor, however, it lost. The governor vetoed the legislation because he didn't feel the song had the support of the state. According to some reports, Mascara asserted that he didn't think the governor understood how much popularity the song actually enjoyed.
The non-official state song of New Jersey is a lighthearted ditty that describes New Jersey as a "playland," yet also speaks of it as the home to many historic battles. It describes the state's many parks and mountains as well as the pride its writer feels about living in the Garden State. The song also specifically mentions some well-known cities in New Jersey as well as some of its shore destinations. It is also adaptable to include the names of several New Jersey municipalities.
By Nicole Madison