Maryland may drop 'northern scum' from state song

[cali]

Associated Press
March 24, 2009, 4:39PM

Maryland lawmakers are thinking maybe it's time to find a way to scrub "Northern scum" — and a few other sensitive pre-Civil War phrases — from the official state song.

"Maryland, My Maryland," set to the traditional seasonal tune of "O, Tannenbaum," was written in 1861 and adopted as the state song in 1939. But now some lawmakers are pushing for a change to the warlike language in what was originally a poem that doubled as a call to arms.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller wants a new commission to examine the song and consider changing some stanzas to reflect the state's diversity and remove offensive phrases.

"I love history, but there comes a time when you have to adjust," Miller, a Democrat, told senators Tuesday.

<snip>

The song begins with a hostile reference to President Abraham Lincoln, who brought troops through Baltimore en route to protect Washington: "The despot's heel is on thy shore, Maryland! His torch is at thy temple door, Maryland!"

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/bizarre/6338002.html
It ends with a call for the state to stand up to the Union: "She is not dead, nor deaf, nor dumb — Huzza! She spurns the Northern scum! She breaths! She burns! She'll come! Maryland! My Maryland!"

[EOTE]

1. Sounds like an unusual line for a state with portions

above the Mason Dixon line. Also for one that calls itself the Free State. As a Marylander, I don't have a problem getting rid of those parts.

[FarCenter]

8. The Mason Dixon line is the southern boundary of PA and the western boundary of DE

What part of MD is north of the Mason Dixon line?

[EOTE]

9. A very small portion of it, but it's there none-the-less.

Every time I pass from PA and into Maryland, I shortly thereafter see markers for the Mason-Dixon line. My guess is it's a couple miles from the state border, at least on 95.

[panader0]

2. Just don't get rid of the "Huzza!" I like that word.

Seriously, it's strange they didn't get rid of those words long ago.

[Bicoastal]

3. Pretty ironic, if you ask me...

...since I think very few people think of Maryland as being "Southern" anymore.

[zipplewrath]

4. Border State

We don't tend to think of it this way much anymore, but the amount of sympathy in both directions that existed on the borders was huge. Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland and even Pennsylvania found significant support existing for both sides. Maryland had to be forcibly prevented from joining the confederacy. Alternately, out west it was frequently refered to as the "war back east" and they had little interest in it. Historically, the song is understandable. The fact that it was apparently adopted in 1939 says more about 20th century Maryland than 19th century.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

12. Maryland is a mutt.

It has both Northern and Southern characteristics. I know growing up in Southern Maryland that area felt very "Southern" (which isn't totally a bad thing, because there are positive aspects of the South as well as the well-publicized negative aspects.)

[BlooInBloo]

5. Noooo KEEP it!!!

Because it's just being proud of your southern heritage dontcha know? Anyone who would be offended by it is just OVERSENSITIVE!!!

:rofl:

[Zywiec]

6. Why not just choose a new song?

I hate the re-writing bit. Now it will include stanzas that reference the Ravens and blue crabs.

:crazy:

[MADem]

7. I agree. Sometimes, it's good to retire a thing that has served its purpose. Also, it's not like

we're talking "original effort" here, either--it's "Oh Christmas Tree," fachrissake. Then again, The Star Spangled Banner is a drinking song.....

I think they ought to have a song contest, and a referendum to pick the best one! And the winner really should try to put the name "Ripken" in the tune!

[Beetwasher]

10. Well! I Must Say That's Mighty White Of Them!

I must remember to send them a thank you note. :rofl:

[marshall]

11. It reminds people of how really unpopular Lincoln was

With all the fellating of Lincoln that is going on lately it is a timely moment to drag out these old songs that remind the populace how despised he was before his death.