ASSEMBLY, No. 2275

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED JULY 18, 1996

By Assemblyman BATEMAN

An Act designating "In New Jersey" as the State song.

    Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. The State song shall be the words and music of the song entitled "In New Jersey," lyrics inspired by the former 4th grade class of the Van Holten School in Bridgewater, New Jersey and music by Terre McPheeters.

    2. This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

    This bill designates "In New Jersey"as the State song. A former 4th grade class of the Van Holten School in Bridgewater, New Jersey, studied their State, composed poetry lauding New Jersey's finest attributes and used phrases from their poetry to construct the lyrics. The class then engaged composer Terre McPheeters to put melody to the lyrics. In January of 1996, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts was directed by law to conduct a competition to choose three songs to be recommended, in descending order of preference, to the Legislature for the purpose of designating a State song. "In New Jersey" was named second choice from more than 240 entries of original music and lyrics.

    The lyrics of "In New Jersey" are as follows:

There's a place where people go

that's beautiful when capped with snow.

In summer ocean breezes blow around.

Where autumn leaves dance with grace,

in springtime gardens set the pace

The beauty of our state is all around.

Refrain

In New Jersey there are mountains

In New Jersey, Pine Barren trees

In New Jersey, there is diversity.

New Jersey land of History

Our innovative industries,

creating new technologies,

are working with our students side by side.

Developing our children's minds,

to solve the problems of our time.

Standing strong together filled with pride.

Refrain

In New Jersey there are mountains

In New Jersey, Pine Barren trees

In New Jersey, there is diversity,

New Jersey land of History

Bridge

Our farmlands extend

Over lush rolling hills

Their bounty is wondrous to behold.

From High Point with its scenic views

To the lighthouse down in Old Cape May

The people invite you to stay,

Won't you stay

Refrain

In New Jersey there are mountains

In New Jersey, Pine Barren trees

In New Jersey, there is diversity

New Jersey land of History

New Jersey, making History

Designates "In New Jersey" as the State song.