Senate Passes Bill Eliminating Most Lyrics In Md. State Song

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- The despot and the Northern scum may be on their way out of the Maryland state song. The state Senate has passed a bill eliminating most of the lyrics in "Maryland, My Maryland."

Political reporter Pat Warren has more on the proposed changes.

The despot's heel may be getting the boot.

"Living here my whole life like a lot of Marylanders and I've hardly talked to anybody that's ever read the whole poem and knew what was in it," said Sen. Ronald Young, (D) Frederick County.

A portrait of the author James Ryder Randall hangs in the office of Senate President Mike Miller, along with a note Randall wrote in 1893.

"I'm a historian, I love to keep history intact. I want to keep all our statues intact--but words can be harmful," said Miller.

Under the bill, the General Assembly relegates the current lyrics to the status of historic state song, with the most inoffensive lines remaining as the official state song.

"I can recognize why the change is necessary. We keep the best part of the song, remembering Howard, remembering Carroll, and at the same time, we add a stanza talking about the beauty of Maryland," said Miller.

There have been years of discussion about changing the song, but Senate bill sponsor Ron Young hopes this latest approach turns the corner.

"We think it's a much more positive, forward looking song now," said Sen. Young.

There was even some talk about holding a contest to come up with a whole new song, but the Senate thought better of it.

The bill sponsor in the House is Delegate Karen Young, the Senate sponsor's wife.