As Long As It Isn't 'Margaritaville'

Our staffer Melanie Ave writes today about changing the state song, Old Folks At Home (Way down upon the Swanee River...). The song's references to "darkeys'' bemoaning the loss of a lifestyle on the old plantation are, to say the least, a little dated.

I wrote a column about this back in 1992, which produced a sheaf of letters from readers suggesting alternatives -- as well as their own lyrics and even a few cassette tapes. Feel free to make suggestions here and we'll see what folks come up with.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the complaint of state Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, the descendant of a Confederate soldier: "It just seems in this age of multiculturalism we can celebrate everyone's culture but mine."

Well, if the culture was owning other human beings in forced labor, uh...

Comments

[Bruce Cotton]

I think we need a song that reflects Florida's true culture, not a song written by someone who NEVER visited or lived in Florida.

The article clearly states that Suwanee was Foster's SECOND choice of lyric and only used becasue it fit flow of the song....not a strong case for why it should remain our state song.

We have a ton of talented musicians who hail from Florida, why not ask one of them to write a song....course my suggestion is Top Petty, he is a native after all.

[Winston]

I agree with the sentiments about Florida's state song, though it is ironic th "Old Folks at Home" really rings a bell!

If I can't have "Margaritaville", at least give me "Orange Blossom Special".

This satisfies a Florida songwriter, Southern heritage, Oranges, Great weather, has been performed by symphony orchestras and is one of the first songs attempted by a Cracker fiddler.

[Carolyn]

I'm Poor I'm Needy and singing the blues.. I'm also paying child support so dcf and state can get paid. All I Qualified for was food and medicaid. I only applied Oct 2006 But they don't care - its all on computer and no judge to stop it. Can't do anything but sing the Blueuuueeessssss because You paying child support to someone who didn't have Ur child.. and pay those living off the welfare system. Im an American Alian singing the blues.. I've been cut off because those abuse..

Wow sounds like you need to go back to New Jersey

[Anonymous]

To Bruce Cotton:
Who is Top Petty?

For Anyone:
Is Jimmy Buffet a native of Florida or is he really a Snowbird?

[Bruce Cotton]

oops.....Tom Petty

[.]

My Children need the World to Hear this. For My Children They have no category for except Denial for food and med insurance. I would like to find out why. Word from DCF is that they have certain agencys helping Us and someone Tagged me and noone knows who except the parties involved to fraud Me BECAUSE They DID THIS.
My money is supporting crack in highpoint. dcf cares less. Order coming soon for payment . want a copy when i get it ?
Want to watch with cam while crackheads party
on housing, system
while stealing from me and my family.
Im ready..
Just waiting for Order and payment Received.

[RB]

I agree that it's time to change the state song. What I don't agree with is the rather condescending statement "well if the culture was owning other human beings in forced labor, uh..." Obviously the South has a vast history of slavery and racism that shouldn't be forgotten or excused, and I understand the spirit behind the statement and why this man's argument is faulty. That said, remember Howard, slavery existed under the American flag and the United States government for 80 years before the Civil War. In many ways, our democracy was built on the backs of slaves, and southern slavery existed in large part because of northern manufacturing infrastructure. In our "U-N-I-O-N Go Union!" way of looking at the Civil War and our view of ourselves as "Oh so perfect Americans" we seem to have conveniently forgotten that little historical tidbit. Careful when throwing stones in a glass house.

[Howard Troxler]

Good point, RB, about slavery not being something that the CSA suddenly invented out of the blue all by itself. The words of the SONG celebrate the plantation culture, in which the "darkeys" lament the loss of the old lifestyle... yet that song is "his" culture that Rep. Baxley defends, was my point... thanks and best wishes.

[Liz Drayer]

My choice for state song: Joni Mitchell's Big Yellow Taxi ("they paved paradise and put up a parking lot")

[R. C. Wood]

One word in a song that's been around for centuries. Can't believe there are people , or groups of people that have nothing better to do than analyse songs, poems, books...anything to try and find something controversial to bring to the attention of the populace so they can get therir name in the paper. Pathetic. It's served well for all these years...let it lie.