On September 11, 2006, a crowd at OKC's Civic Center Music Hall was introduced to Oklahoma's Centennial Song entitled "Oklahoma Rising." With music by Vince Gill and lyrics by Jimmy Webb, the song celebrates statehood and Oklahoma's unique qualities.
Read the lyrics here:
"Oklahoma Rising" Lyrics
Chorus
We're Oklahoma Risin', brighter than a star
Stand up and sing about her, let the world know
who we are
Verse 1
From a rugged territory to the Oklahoma Run
We've made our dreams come true,
just look at what we've done
We're the Heartland of America,
our heart is in the race
We've sailed our prairie schooners
right into outer space
We are young and we are strong,
we are comin' with a roar
Sooner than later we'll be knockin' on your door
Say hello to the future,
gonna shake the future's hand
and build a better world
upon this sacred land
Chorus 2
We're Oklahoma Risin', brighter than a star Stand up and sing about her let the world know who we are We're the sons and the daughters, children of the West We're Oklahoma Risin', risin' up to be the best
Verse 2
Guts and grace and mercy, we have shown them in our turn When the fields had turned to dust and the skies began to burn When the storm shook our souls and the mighty buildings fell Through fires and desperation our faith has served us well I choke back the emotion, I'm an Okie and I'm proud So when you call me Okie, man, you better say it loud Now we look into the heavens at the eagles climbing free It's the spirit of our people on the wing, can you see?
Repeat Chorus 2 Twice
