Maryland Lawmakers Consider Changing State Song

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- For the fourth time since 2001, the Maryland General Assembly considers changing the state song. Even though most Marylanders probably don't know the words, "Maryland, My Maryland" is chock-full of Confederate sympathies.

Pat Warren has more on the recommended changes.

In the past when lawmakers considered changing it. There was no recommended alternative. Now they have several.

The despot is Abraham Lincoln, the lyrics are a call to the Confederacy.

"I think it is time to change it in a way that reflects some history, but does not reflect those values," said Delegate Dan Morhaim, (D) Baltimore.

A panel has made recommendations on changes, first outlining what a state song should be.

"They felt that it should certainly be unique to Maryland, the song should be singable, and yes, it should be more inclusive, it should not be something divisive," said Del. Katherine Lewis Young, (D) Frederick County.

Despite existing efforts on other fronts to neutralize Confederate references, efforts have been made since 1974 to change "Maryland, My Maryland."

"My effort with the song was about the song and it was not influenced by those other efforts," said Lewis Young.

A hearing on the proposed changes has not yet been scheduled.

In a bill it's recommended all the verses except the most generic one be cut from the song and another verse from another poem by a Marylander that talks of thankfulness be inserted.

One verse of the song is sung at Preakness, but rarely at any state functions.