Table of Contents

+ Part 1: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia

+ Part 2: New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana, Indiana, Mississippi

+ Part 3: Illinois, Alabama, Maine, Missouri, Arkansas, Michigan, Florida, Texas, Iowa, Wisconsin

+ Part 4: California, Minnesota, Oregon, Kansas, West Virginia, Nevada, Nebraska, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota

+ Part 5: Montana, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii

+ Part 6: Washington D.C., American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

☆☆☆☆☆

New York's Version:

Hey, hey, daddy, give me coffee!
Hey, hey, mommy, hey, hey, mommy!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Bagel and lox I ate long ago!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Yo, the name's New York!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Looking closely, that's the Earth!
Or maybe, that's the Earth?
I'm the Empire State!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A beautiful world can be seen!
Home to the Statue of Liberty!
New York, New York!

("Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Get the best scoop on Wall Street right here!")

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Yo, the name's New York!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Ever upward, that's the Earth!
Lie on your back, that's the Earth!
I'm the Excelsior State!

Ah, a diverse city
Makes recipes from across the world!
("Getcha a slice by the dollar!")
The rent is as high as my skyscrapers!
Need more coffee!

Shut up, Joisey, brew me some coffee!
While you're at it, Penny, get me some donuts!
Oy, oy, America, peace is lit!
Fuck off, Masshole! ("The Yankees have more rings!")

Hey, hey, daddy, I need coffee!
Hey, hey, mommy, hey, hey, mommy!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Bagel and lox I ate long ago!

Tour Times Square
And Central Park!
Afterward, let's go see Broadway!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Yo, the name's New York!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A beautiful world can be seen!
The Greatest City in the World!
New York, New York!

Ah, throughout the world,
Sleeps many recipes of happiness!
Niagara Falls is breathtaking!
I love New York!

~

Author's Note:

It was easy creating New York's version. However, I realize this version can easily be called "New York City's version" with most of the references being based on the city. Sorry, Buffalo and other cities in New York. Despite this negative, New York's version is one of my favorites. For sure, there are many things I've failed to mention in the song. But looking at the footnotes below, I think I've done too good of a job mentioning a lot of them.

Footnotes:

• New Yorkers are known to drink lots of coffee. According to one study, they drink more than five times the average amount of other U.S. cities. It makes sense considering New York City is one of the busiest, fastest-moving cities in America.
• There are lots of foods associated with New York that make choosing one for the intro difficult. I chose the New York-style bagel because of its convenience as a quick bite for New York City goers to grab while on the move.
• "The Empire State" is New York's official nickname.
• According to Wikipedia, the Statue of Liberty is on Liberty Island in New York Harbor in New York, in the United States (sorry, New Jersey). Not only is the Statue of Liberty an iconic symbol of New York, but it's also a symbol of the United States as well. Plus, it's one of New York City's most popular tourist attractions.
• It's common to say "New York, New York" when referring to New York City and New York simultaneously. It's also a nod to another nickname for New York City, "The City So Nice They Named It Twice."
• New York is known for its information industry, notably for two of the three national daily newspapers in the United States: The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
• Wall Street in New York City has been called both the most economically powerful city and the leading financial center of the world.
• "Ever upward" is the English translation of "Excelsior," the state motto of New York.
• "The Excelsior State" is one of New York's nicknames.
• New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the United States as well as the world.
• New York is known for its pizza. In New York City, it's common to get a slice of pizza for about a buck.
• New York City is known for its skyscrapers.
• Compared to other U.S. cities, the cost of living in New York City is higher than average.
• New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts are some of New York's neighbors.
• Not only did I showcase a bit of New York's accent, but I also showed them being demanding since New Yorkers are known to be rude.
• "Lit" in recent years can mean "awesome or exciting." That's partially thanks to East Coast hip hop in New York City giving the word another definition.
• New York has a sports rivalry with Massachusetts, notably baseball. The Yankees–Red Sox is one of the most intense rivalries in professional sports. Quite often, Yankees fans take pride in the number of rings and championships their team has won compared to their rivals.
• Times Square, Central Park, and Broadway are some of New York City's most popular tourist attractions.
• "The Greatest City in the World" is one of New York City's nicknames.
• Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls at the southern end of Niagara Gorge, spanning the border between the US state of New York and the Canadian province of Ontario. It's famed both for its beauty and as a valuable source of hydroelectric power.

~

North Carolina's Version:

Hey, hey, daddy, get me a Pepsi!
Hey, hey, mommy, hey, hey, mommy!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Sweet potato pie I ate before!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
I'm North Carolina!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Looking closely, that's the Earth!
Or maybe, that's the Earth?
I'm the Tar Heel State!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A wonderful world can be seen!
Let's shag along to some beach music!
North Carolina!

("No matter what Ohio says, I'm the First in Flight!")

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
I'm North Carolina!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Take a step back, that's the Earth!
Lie on your back, that's the Earth!
I'm the Old North State!

Ah, with some barbecuing,
A recipe will make you cry with joy!
("You prefer Eastern or Lexington?")
My favorite berries are red and blue!
North Carolina!

Hey, hey, Tennessee, get me Cheerwine!
While you're at it, South, can you pour it for me?
Oy, oy, America, peace is great!
Thanks, Roanoke! ("The wine is delicious!")

Hey, hey, daddy, have some Cheerwine!
Hey, hey, mommy, hey, hey, mommy!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Sweet potato pie I ate before!

Carolina!
Carolina!
Heaven's blessings attend her!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
I'm North Carolina!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A wonderful world can be seen!
See Biltmore from the Blue Ridge Parkway!
North Carolina!

Ah, throughout the world,
Sleeps the recipe of happiness!
Racing toward the checkered flag!
North Carolina!

~

Author's Note:

The most difficulty I had creating North Carolina's version was turning the information I found into lyrics. For example, it took me at least twenty minutes to figure out how to incorporate the Blue Ridge Parkway into the song. Even after publishing the final product, I still felt I could've done a better job incorporating that iconic parkway. Besides that, I think the song is adequate though I may come back to improve it in certain areas.

On a side note, a line that didn't make it was commentary about North Carolina's flag looking like Texas's flag. In the end, I favored commentary about North Carolina being the "First in Flight."

Footnotes:

• Pepsi is a brand of soft drinks created in North Carolina.
• Sweet potato pie is a traditional dessert originating in the Southern United States. Though it isn't a symbol of North Carolina, the sweet potato is the state vegetable. So, I figure I use sweet potato pie for the intro.
• "The Tar Heel State" is one of North Carolina's nicknames.
• The Carolina shag is the state popular dance of North Carolina.
• The Wright Brothers, natives of Ohio, flew Kitty Hawk in North Carolina. Much to the chagrin of many Ohioans, North Carolina maintains they're the "First in Flight."
• "The Old North State" is one of North Carolina's nicknames.
• North Carolina is known for two styles of barbecue: Eastern and Lexington. 
• North Carolina has a state red berry and a state blue berry; they're strawberry and blueberry respectively. Red and blue are also the state colors of North Carolina.
• Tennessee and South Carolina are North Carolina's neighbors. In a sense, they're also siblings.
• Cheerwine is a cherry-flavored soft drink produced in North Carolina.
• The Roanoke Colony was the first English colony in the Americas, founded in present-day North Carolina. However, the colony wasn't permanent.
• Scuppernong is a large variety of grape native in the Southern United States; it's North Carolina's state fruit. The oldest cultivated grapevine is a 400-year old scuppernong called "Mother Vine" located on Roanoke Island, North Carolina.
• "The Old North State" is the state song of North Carolina. The first line of the song is used for lyrics in this version.
• The Biltmore Estate is a historic house museum and tourist attraction in Asheville, North Carolina. It can be seen from Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Stock car racing is the state sport of North Carolina. Also, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

~

Rhode Island's Version:

Hey, hey, daddy, give me coffee milk!
Hey, hey, mommy, hey, hey, mommy!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Calamari I ate long ago!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
I am Rhode Island!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Looking closely, that's the Earth!
Or maybe, that's the Earth?
I'm the Ocean State!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A wonderful world can be seen!
The anchor of the soul is called hope!
I'm Rhode Island!

("I may be last in the Original 13, but I'm first in everything else!")

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
I am Rhode Island!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Mostly ocean, that's the Earth!
Lie on your back, that's the Earth!
I'm Little Rhody!

Ah, the taste of quahogs
In a recipe leads to happiness!
("The stuffies are superb!")
The Big Blue Bug is bigger than me!
That fucking blows!

Hey, hey, Connecticut, bake the clams!
Afterward, Masshole, you can go fuck yourself!
Oy, oy, America, peace is the best!
Piss off, Cthulhu! ("You don't scare me!")

Hey, hey, daddy, where's my coffee milk?
Hey, hey, mommy, hey, hey, mommy!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Calamari I ate long ago!

Oh, Rhode Island!
Oh, Rhode Island!
I'm not even an island!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
I am Rhode Island!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A wonderful world can be seen!
Check out my Rhode Island Red c*ck!
I'm Rhode Island!

Ah, throughout the world,
Sleeps many recipes of happiness!
Living life like a carousel!
I'm Rhode Island!

~

Author's Note:

There were a lot of things I wanted to mention about Rhode Island I wasn't able to include in this version of the song. Some things I failed to mention include the Industrial Revolution, Ambrose Burnside, Mercy Brown, polo, tennis, and WaterFire. Also, I wanted to go in-depth on the firsts that happened in U.S. history thanks to Rhode Island. However, that wasn't possible. Still, I enjoyed creating Rhode Island's version.

I especially like the line about the Rhode Island Red. Though I'm not the type to censor vulgarity in my writings, I've done it for comedic purposes. So, feel free to imagine a bleep when Rhode Island says that word. I think it's hilarious.

Footnotes:

• Coffee milk is the state beverage of Rhode Island.
• Calamari is the state appetizer of Rhode Island.
• "The Ocean State" is Rhode Island's official nickname.
• "Hope" is the state motto of Rhode Island. It's based on a biblical phrase, "hope we have as an anchor of the soul."
• Though Rhode Island is the last member of the Original Thirteen Colonies to join the Union, the small state has accomplished many firsts throughout U.S. history, much of which is considered quite progressive for its time.
• Indeed, Earth is mostly made of ocean. Thanks, Rhode Island, for telling us that.
• "Little Rhody" is one of Rhode Island's nicknames.
• Quahogs are a species of clam that's commonly harvested in Rhode Island.
• Stuffies (aka stuffed quahogs) are a popular appetizer served in Rhode Island.
• The Big Blue Bug (aka Nibbles Woodway) is a giant, blue termite that's the mascot of Big Blue Bug Solutions located in Providence, Rhode Island. It claims to be the world's largest artificial bug.
• Connecticut and Massachusetts are some of Rhode Island's neighbors.
• Cthulhu is a mythical creature in literature, created by H.P. Lovecraft, a writer from Rhode Island.
• "Rhode Island's It for Me" is the state song of Rhode Island. Some lyrics from that song were used for this version.
• Though parts of Rhode Island are made of islands, much of Rhode Island is still connected to the mainland United States.
• The Rhode Island Red is a breed of chicken originating from Rhode Island (and Massachusetts). It's the state bird of Rhode Island.
• Rhode Island is known for two carousels. It has one of the oldest carousels called Flying Horse Carousel, and it has the Crescent Park Carousel as its state symbol of folk art.

~

Vermont's Version:

Hey, hey, daddy, give me a switchel!
Hey, hey, mommy, hey, hey, mommy!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Freshly-baked apple pie I ate before!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Hello, I'm Vermont!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Looking closely, that's the Earth!
Or maybe, that's the Earth?
I'm the Green Mountain State!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A beautiful world can be seen!
Let's go skiing down a mountain!
I am Vermont!

("Besides skiing, I'm also great at snowboarding!")

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Hello, I'm Vermont!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
How surprising, that's the Earth!
Lie on your back, that's the Earth!
I'm the Fourteenth State!

Buckets of maple syrup
Make a recipe so much sweeter!
("I love pancakes!")
The ice cream here is so chunky!
I am Vermont!

Hey, hey, Massy, boil the maple sap!
Afterward, New Hampshire, let's make some taffy!
Oy, oy, America, peace is nice!
Come on, New York! ("Please notice me!")

Hey, hey, daddy, have some switchel!
Hey, hey, mommy, hey, hey, mommy!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Freshly-baked apple pie I ate before!

An apple pie
Without the cheese
Is like a kiss without the squeeze!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Hello, I'm Vermont!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A wonderful world can be seen!
Look at the Barre granite tombstones!
I am Vermont!

Ah, throughout the world,
Sleeps the recipe of happiness!
The best snow golfer in the country!
I am Vermont!

~

Author's Note:

Honestly, Vermont's version was harder to create than I originally thought. Though there was some interesting stuff about the state, the problem was turning that information into lyrics. Overall, I think Vermont's version is alright.

One thing I haven't mentioned in Vermont's version is socialism. The state has a history relating to that topic. I've considered mentioning it. However, I've decided not to because some may get the wrong impression of Vermont being a "socialist" state.

Footnotes:

• Switchel is a drink made of water mixed with vinegar, often seasoned with ginger and sweetened with molasses, honey, sugar, or maple syrup. Supposedly, its origins are in New England, notably Vermont.
• Apple pie is the state pie of Vermont.
• "The Green Mountain State" is Vermont's nickname.
• Vermont is known for its ski resorts. I consider mentioning a specific ski resort, but I don't want to start an argument regarding whichever ski resort is the best.
• Burton Snowboards is the world's first snowboard factory as well as the largest snowboard brand in the world. The company is based in Burlington, Vermont.
• Vermont is the fourteenth state to enter the Union. The number fourteen is also significant to the state for multiple reasons.
• Vermont is known for its production of maple syrup, producing the most for the United States.
• Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream was founded in Burlington, Vermont. They're known for making chunky ice cream.
• Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York are Vermont's neighbors.
• Sugar shacks (aka sap houses) are known for boiling maple sap into maple syrup which has the option to be poured onto the snow to create maple taffy.
• Vermont's creation is partially thanks to New York who, despite initial refusal to recognize Vermont, allowed it to be a state.
• "An apple pie without the cheese is like a kiss without the squeeze!" is a popular saying when it comes to eating apple pie with a slice of cheddar cheese which can seem baffling to some folk. In Vermont, however, apple pie with cheddar cheese go together like a hug with a squeeze.
• Barre Gray granite is a fine granite, composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, found near the town of Barre, Vermont. It's famously sought for making sculptures.
• The tombstones are a reference to Hope Cemetery located in Barre, Vermont. Many of the tombstones feature unique sculptures made of Barre Gray granite.
• Snow golfing is a variation of gold played either in snow or ice. The Grimes Hill CC Invitational, held annually in the state of Vermont, pits golfers against each other in a three-hole playoff to determine the country's best snow golfer.

~

Kentucky's Version:

Hey, hey, papa, give me moonshine!
Hey, hey, mama, hey, hey, mama!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Derby pie I ate so long ago!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Hey, I'm Kentucky!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Looking closely, that's the Earth!
Or maybe, that's the Earth?
I'm the Bluegrass State!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A wonderful world can be seen!
See the Thunder Over Louisville!
I'm Kentucky!

("Football may be popular, but my favorite sport is college basketball!")

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Hey, I'm Kentucky!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Hold your horses, that's the Earth!
Lie on your back, that's the Earth!
I'm the Tobacco State!

Eleven herbs and spices
Are in this original recipe!
("It's finger-lickin' good!")
The secret is stored in the Vault!
I'm Kentucky!

Hey, hey, West, make me a mint julep!
While you're at it, Ginny, can you stir it for me?
Oy, oy, America, peace is great!
Yeah, yeah, Indy! ("My Corvette needs fixin'!")

Hey, hey, papa, have some bourbon!
Hey, hey, mama, hey, hey, mama!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Derby pie I ate so long ago!

The Fastest Two
Minutes in Sports!
That's called the Kentucky Derby!

("Neigh!")

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Hey, I'm Kentucky!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A wonderful world can be seen!
Playing the simply dulcimer!
I'm Kentucky!!

Ah, throughout the world,
Sleeps the recipe of happiness!
Oh, the sun shines bright on my old
Kentucky home!

~

Author's Note:

Looking back at the song, I realize much of it revolves around alcohol and the Kentucky Derby. But I mean, that's what Kentucky is famous for. I should've at least mention something about Kentucky's pioneering history. Either way, I still think this version is a great description of what Kentucky is known for.

Footnotes:

• Moonshine is originally slang for distilled spirits produced illicitly. In the present era, the term is popularly used for the commercial sale of alcohol. Kentucky is known for its history of bootlegging.
• Derby pie (aka Pegasus pie and May Day pie) is a chocolate and walnut tart in a pie shell with a pastry dough crust. The pie was created in Prospect, Kentucky, and it became associated with the Kentucky Derby.
• "The Bluegrass State" is Kentucky's official nickname.
• "Thunder Over Louisville" is an annual kickoff event of the Kentucky Derby Festival, featuring an airshow and fireworks display in Louisville, Kentucky.
• College basketball is the most popular sport in Kentucky.
• "Hold your horses" is a Southern saying meaning "wait a moment." Kentucky is known for its horse racing culture.
• "The Tobacco State" is one of Kentucky's nicknames.
• K.F.C. is known for its original recipe, using eleven herbs and spices to season its fried chicken.
• "It's finger lick' good!" is K.F.C.'s slogan. 
• Indeed, K.F.C.'s original recipe is stored in a vault.
• "The Vault" is also a reference to Fort Knox, a fort that stores some of the U.S.'s gold supply.
• West Virginia, Virginia, and Indiana are some of Kentucky's neighbors.
• The mint julep is a cocktail with origins in the Southern United States. It's the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby.
• The Chevrolet Corvette is the state sports car of Kentucky.
• Bourbon whiskey is said to originate in Bourbon County, Kentucky.
• The Kentucky Derby is famously known as "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports."
• The Appalachian dulcimer is the state musical instrument of Kentucky.
• "My Old Kentucky Home" is the state song of Kentucky.

~

Tennessee's Version:

Hey, hey, daddy, give me whiskey!
Hey, hey, mommy, hey, hey, mommy!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Elvis sandwich I ate long ago!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Hey, I'm Tennessee!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Looking closely, that's the Earth!
Or maybe, that's the Earth?
I'm the Volunteer State!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A wonderful world can be seen!
Wearing a raccoon on my head!
I'm Tennessee!

("Always be sure you are right, then go ahead!")

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Hey, I'm Tennessee!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Singing loudly, that's the Earth!
Lie on your back, that's the Earth!
I'm the Big Bend State!

Ah, with some barbecuing,
A recipe will lead to happiness!
("Barbecue nachos, anyone?")
Dolly has the best banana pudding!
I'm Tennessee!

Hey, hey, Kentucky, have some whiskey!
Come on, North Carolina, have yourself a glass!
Oy, oy, America, peace is great!
Yeah, yeah, baby! ("You're the Ten-I-See!")

Hey, hey, daddy, want some whiskey?
Hey, hey, mama, hey, hey, mama!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Elvis sandwich I ate long ago!

Oh, Tennessee!
My, Tennessee!
I'm America at its best! ("Don't tell the others that!")

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Hey, I'm Tennessee!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A wonderful world can be seen!
Wearing a raccoon on my head!
I'm Tennessee!

Ah, throughout the world,
Sleeps the recipe of happiness!
It's iris time in the Smoky Mountains!
I'm Tennessee!

~

Author's Note:

I'm sure I could've done better going in-depth on Tennessee's music culture. I mean, there are so many music genres developed in the state. Heck, the state has nine freaking state songs! Nevertheless, I like Tennessee's version for including various areas of its culture.

Footnotes:

• Tennessee is known for its production of whiskey. One of the most popular brands of bourbon whiskey, Jack Daniel's, is based in Lynchburg, Tennessee.
• An Elvis sandwich is a sandwich made with toasted bread, peanut butter, sliced or mashed bananas, and sometimes bacon. Elvis Presley, a famous resident of Tennessee, was known to eat this sandwich to satisfy his food cravings, hence the sandwich's more recent name. The Elvis is often served at various restaurants in the state.
• "The Volunteer State" is Tennessee's official nickname.
• Coonskin caps are made from the skin and fur of a raccoon. It's famously associated with American frontiersman of the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Also, the raccoon is the state wild animal of Tennessee.
• "Always be sure you are right, then go ahead" is a famous quote from Davy Crockett, an American frontiersman from Tennessee.
• "Big Bend State" is one of Tennessee's nicknames.
• Tennessee is known for its barbecue, notably Memphis-style barbecue.
• Pulled pork in Memphis-style barbecue is sometimes used to make barbecue spaghetti and barbecue nachos.
• "Dolly" is a reference to Dollywood, an amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee founded by Dolly Parton.
• Banana pudding is a type of pudding that's popularly served in the United States. It's often served at Dollywood, made using Dolly Parton's recipe. On a related note, the National Banana Pudding Festival is held in Centerville, Tennessee.
• Kentucky and North Carolina are some of Tennessee's neighbors.
• "You're the Ten-I-See" is a pick-up line that's a play-on-words of Tennessee.
• "Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee" is the state poem of Tennessee.
• "Tennessee—America at Its Best" is the state slogan of Tennessee.
• "When It's Iris Time in Tennessee" is one of the state songs of Tennessee. The iris is the state flower of Tennessee.
• The Great Smoky Mountains are a mountain range along the Tennessee–North Carolina border.

~

Ohio's Version:

Hey, hey, daddy, give me tomato juice!
Hey, hey, mommy, hey, hey, mommy!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Buckeye candy I ate long ago!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Hey, I'm Ohio!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Looking closely, that's the Earth!
Or maybe, that's the Earth?
I'm the Buckeye State!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A beautiful world can be seen!
Home of American football!
I'm Ohio!

("Once I take over the world, soon, people won't treat me like a joke!")

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Hey, I'm Ohio!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Pretty and blue, that's the Earth!
Lie on your back, that's the Earth!
I'm The Heart Of It All!

Recipes of happiness
Are made with Cincinnati chili!
("I like a five-way, please!")
The river that caught fire thirteen times!
Cuyahoga!

Hey, hey, Kentucky, get me a Frosty!
After that, Indiana, let's get B-Dubs!
Oy, oy, America, peace is great!
No way, Michie! ("Toledo is mine!")

Hey, hey, daddy, have a Frosty!
Hey, hey, mommy, hey, hey, mommy!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Buckeye candy I ate long ago!

O-H-I-O!
O-H-I-O!
We will beat That State Up North!

Draw a circle, there's the Earth!
Draw a circle, there's the Earth!
Draw a circle, there's the Earth!
Hey, I'm Ohio!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A beautiful world can be seen!
The Birthplace of Aviation!
I'm Ohio!

Ah, throughout the world,
Sleeps the recipe of happiness!
I get to decide who's president!
I'm Ohio!

~

Author's Note:

Ohio's version is one of my favorites for multiple reasons. The line about the Cuyahoga gets a chuckle out of me every time I read it. Also, I like how I incorporated the "O-H-I-O" Chant. It resonates with the spirit of Ohio who, despite being called boring by some people, has lots of things to be remembered for. No doubt, there are many things about Ohio I've failed to mention. Don't get me started on the list of famous Ohioans I haven't once mentioned. If I get the chance to make "Hatafutte Parade", I look forward to creating Ohio's version.

Footnotes:

• Tomato juice is the state beverage of Ohio.
• Buckeye candy is a confection consisting of peanut butter fudge partially dipped in chocolate. It's named after the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree.
• "The Buckeye State" is Ohio's official nickname.
• Ohio had a major role in the development of the National Football League (NFL). The Pro Football Hall of Fame is located in Canton, Ohio.
• "Ohio vs. the World" is a series of memes originating in 2016 about Ohio being a "dangerous" state that needs to be eliminated, or about Ohio taking over the world. I may change this line to something else when this meme gets "old." For now, I like to think Ohio is planning an invasion to get more recognition and not be treated as a joke.
• "Pretty and blue" is part of a quote from Neil Armstrong when he saw Earth from the surface of the moon: "It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth."
• "The Heart of It All" is one of Ohio's nicknames.
• Cincinnati chili is a Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce that's used as a topping for spaghetti or hot dogs. Ordering chili is often done through the "way" system according to the inclusion of its ingredients.
• The Cuyahoga River runs through Northeastern Ohio, infamously known to catch fire at least thirteen times when it was heavily polluted with industrial waste.
• Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan are some of Ohio's neighbors.
• A Frosty is the signature frozen dairy dessert of Wendy's, an American international fast food restaurant chain founded in Columbus, Ohio.
• B-Dubs is a nickname for Buffalo Wild Wings, an American casual dining restaurant and sports bar franchise originally founded in Columbus, Ohio.
• The Toledo War was a minor feud between Ohio and Michigan over Toledo and the border between them. In the end, Ohio got to keep Toledo at the cost of being hated by Michiganders for the rest of their existence.
• The "O-H-I-O!" is a chant among fans of Ohio State University football. The chant is often accompanied by hand symbols, similar to the "Y.M.C.A."
• "That State Up North" refers to Michigan, specifically the University of Michigan. It was coined by Woody Hayes, former football coach of Ohio State, who was known to hate Michigan so much he refused to say the word "Michigan."
• "The Birthplace of Aviation" is one of Ohio's nicknames.
• Ohio is known for its status as both a swing state and a bellwether in national elections. For many presidential candidates, they must win Ohio's support if they want any chance at winning the U.S. presidency.

~

Louisiana's Version:

Hey, hey, papa, get me a Sazerac!
Hey, hey, mama, hey, hey, mama!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Spicy gumbo I ate long ago!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
I'm Louisiana!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Looking closely, that's the Earth!
Or maybe, that's the Earth?
I'm the Pelican State!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A fabulous world can be seen!
Let's toast our spirits to The Boot!
Louisiana!

("This gris-gris better protect me from hurricanes, or I'ma murder a witch!")

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
I'm Louisana!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Pass a good time, that's the Earth!
Lie on your back, that's the Earth!
I'm the Bayou State!

Ah, boiling in spices,
A tasty recipe will feed your soul!
("The crawfish is ready, cher!")
I always dress my po' boy with
Tabasco sauce!

Hey, hey, Arkansas, have some milk punch!
While you're here, Texas, have a Hurricane!
Oy, oy, America, peace is jazzy!
Where y'at, France! ("Laissez les bon temps rouler!")

Hey, hey, papa, have a Ramos!
Hey, hey, mama, hey, hey, mama!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Spicy Gumbo I ate long ago!

Oh, when the saints
Come marching in!
Oh, when the saints come marching in!

(*Diatonic accordion and trumpet playing*)

("Who Dat?")

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
I'm Louisiana!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A fabulous world can be seen!
I have an envie for sno-balls
With tiger's blood!

Ah, throughout the world,
Sleeps the recipe of happiness!
Come to Lake Charles with confidence!
Louisiana!

~

Author's Note:

Louisiana's version is a definite favorite for I love the culture of Louisiana. It's so diverse, this version doesn't do much justice showcasing the entirety of it. I mean, much of the song is heavily based on southern Louisiana. I regret not mentioning Natchitoches meat pie as well as the culture in northern Louisiana. Also, I regret being unable to mention everything about Louisiana cuisine. Bananas Foster, beignets, jambalaya, king cake... Gosh, I miss the opportunity to make a joke about the turducken since that supposedly originated in Louisiana. Again, I love Louisiana, so I hope I've done the state justice with this version I've created.

Footnotes:

• The Sazerac is a local New Orleans variation of a cognac or whiskey cocktail. It's the official cocktail of New Orleans.
• Gumbo is the state cuisine of Louisiana.
• "The Pelican State" is Louisiana's official nickname.
• "Let's toast our spirits to The Boot!" imitates lyrics from Italy's "Marukaite Chikyuu" in a sense both places are shaped like boots. One of Louisiana's nicknames is "The Boot."
• Also, spirits is a play-on-words. Spirits can refer to their soul or alcohol.
• A gris-gris is a Voodoo talisman that can protect the wearer from evil or bring good luck.
• Being situated near the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana is prone to hurricanes.
• Also, Louisiana isn't kidding about murder. Louisiana has the highest homicide rate among U.S. states.
• "Pass a good time" is an expression in Louisiana meaning "to live it up."
• "The Bayou State" is one of Louisiana's nicknames.
• "Feed your soul" is the state slogan of Louisiana.
• Louisiana is known for its crawfish (aka crayfish in other places), harvesting a majority of crawfish for the United States and the world as well. The state crustacean often appears in Louisiana cuisine. Many people in the state often host crawfish boils whenever crawfish are in season.
• "Cher" is the equivalent of "love" or "dear."
• A po' boy is a sandwich full of meat or seafood, "dressed" with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise.
• Tabasco Sauce is a brand of hot sauce made from tabasco peppers. It's produced in Louisiana.
• Arkansas and Texas are some of Louisiana's neighbors.
• Milk punch is a milk-based brandy that's commonly served in New Orleans, Louisiana. On a related note, milk is the state beverage of Louisiana.
• The Hurricane is a sweet cocktail made with rum, lemon juice, and passion fruit syrup. It's one of many popular drinks served in New Orleans, Louisiana.
• New Orleans, Louisiana is the birthplace of jazz music.
• "Where y'at?" is a common expression meaning "How are you?" in New Orleans, Louisiana.
• Louisiana was a former colony of France before being sold to America as a part of the Louisiana Purchase.
• "Laissez les bon temps rouler!" means "Let the good times roll!" It's a common saying in Louisiana, especially during Mardi Gras.
• A Ramos gin fizz is a cocktail invented by Henry C. Ramos at his bar in New Orleans, Louisiana. The drink is also called a "New Orleans fizz."
• "When the Saints Go Marching In" is originally a black spiritual song that later became associated with jazz thanks to Louis Armstrong, a musician who was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. It's a popular anthem in Louisiana, notably for the New Orleans Saints, an NFL team.
• For the interlude, I like to imagine something jazzy that includes the diatonic accordion (Louisiana's state instrument) and the trumpet.
• "Who Dat?" is a pronunciation of the question of "who's that?" It is most widely used by fans of the New Orleans Saints.
• "Envie" is Cajun for "desire" or "craving."
• A sno-ball is a New Orleans confection made with finely shaved ice and flavored cane sugar syrup.
• Tiger's blood is a flavor combination mainly consisting of watermelon, strawberry, and a bit of coconut. It's a popular flavor of shaved ice in the Southern United States. I thought of using a strawberry-flavored sno-ball since Louisiana's state fruit is the strawberry, however, I used Tiger's blood instead as a subtle reference to the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers.
• Lake Charles is a city in Louisiana that's known for its casino market.
• Confidence is part of Louisiana's motto: "Union, Justice, Confidence."

~

Indiana's Version:

Hey, hey, papa, want some water?
Hey, hey, mama, hey, hey, mama!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Sugar cream pie I ate long ago!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
I'm Indiana!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Looking closely, that's the Earth!
Or maybe, that's the Earth?
I'm the Hoosier State!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A wonderful world can be seen!
Hysterical for basketball!
Indiana!

("Honest-to-goodness me. I swear that guy had a gun...")

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
I'm Indiana!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Gentle and blue, that's the Earth!
Lie on your back, that's the Earth!
The Crossroads of America!

Ah, with just some frying,
A recipe will make you cry with joy!
("The pork tenderloin is humongous!")
For dessert is persimmon pudding!
Indiana!

Hey, hey, Kentucky, heat some popcorn!
After that, Michie, can you please drizzle it?
Oy, oy, America, peace is good!
What now, Illinois? ("You want fireworks?")

Hey, hey, papa, have some water!
Hey, hey, mama, hey, mama!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Sugar cream pie I ate long ago!

There's no haven...
Quite as peaceful...
There's no place I'd rather be...

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
I'm Indiana!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A wonderful world can be seen!
The peonies are in full bloom!
Indiana!

Ah, throughout the world,
Sleeps the recipe of happiness!
Start your engines at the Brickyard!
Indiana!

~

Author's Note:

Compared to other states, Indiana's version doesn't stand out that much. Even so, I like Indiana's version. It's pretty simple like the state itself. The only things I wish I've mentioned include Mother of Vice Presidents and its limestone. Nonetheless, I'm alright with this version.

Footnotes:

• Water is the state beverage of Indiana. In my opinion, it's better than the twenty other states who chose milk for their state beverage.
• Sugar cream pie (aka sugar pie, Hoosier pie, and many alternative names) is a pie with a filling made of flour, butter, salt, vanilla, cream, and brown sugar or maple syrup. It's a popular dessert in the Midwest, notably Indiana.
• "The Hoosier State" is Indiana's official nickname.
• "Hoosier Hysteria" is the state of excitement surrounding basketball in Indiana, specifically the Indiana high school basketball tournament.
• "Honest to Goodness Indiana" is the state slogan of Indiana.
• "I swear that guy had a gun" is a reference to John Dillinger, an American gangster during the Great Depression-era of the United States. He was imprisoned at Crown Point jail in Indiana, but he managed to successfully escape with trickery and a wooden "pistol" he had carved. The incident completely embarrassed the jailers and made Dillinger more popular in the public eye.
• "Pretty and blue" is a line originating from a poem called "Planet Earth." It was written by Michael Jackson, an American singer, songwriter, and dancer who was born in Gary, Indiana.
• "The Crossroads of America" is one of Indiana's nicknames.
• Pork tenderloin sandwiches are popular in the Midwest, especially in Indiana.
• Persimmon pudding is another popular dessert associated with Indiana.
• Kentucky, Michigan, and Illinois are some of Indiana's neighbors.
• Popcorn is one of many foods to be created from Indiana's corn production. Popcorn Indiana, a popcorn brand, has a product called "Drizzlecorn" that's popularly beloved for its dark chocolate and white chocolate drizzled popcorn.
• "There's no haven quite as peaceful / There's no place I rather be..." are lines from Indiana's state poem called "Indiana."
• Peonies are the state flower of Indiana.
• "Drivers, start your engines" are famous words in racing, notably called at the Indianapolis 500, a race that takes place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (aka The Brickyard).

~

Mississippi's Version:

Hey, hey, daddy, want some sweet tea?
Hey, hey, mommy, hey, hey, mommy!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Mississippi mud pie I ate before!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
I'm Mississippi!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Looking closely, that's the Earth!
Or maybe, that's the Earth?
I'm the Magnolia State!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A wonderful world can be seen!
Hear the church bells ring on Sunday!
Mississippi!

("M-I-S-S-I-S-I-P-P-I. That spells my name, right?")

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
I'm Mississippi!

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Do a twirl, that's the Earth!
Lie on your back, that's the Earth!
I'm the Hospitality State!

Ah, with just some frying,
A recipe will make you cry with joy!
("Thank you Lord for this catfish.")
My tamales offend the Mexicans!
Mississippi!

Hey, hey, Alabama, make me sweet tea!
While you're at it, Louise, can you pour it for me?
Oy, oy, America, peace is nice!
Oh, honey! ("Do I look fat in this dress?")

Hey, hey, daddy, have some sweet tea!
Hey, hey, mommy, hey, hey, mommy!
I cannot forget the taste of that
Mississippi mud pie ate before!

Mississippi!
Mississippi!
Thank God for Mississippi!

(*Harmonica playing*)

Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
Draw a circle, that's the Earth!
I'm Mississippi!

Ah, with just a brushstroke,
A wonderful world can be seen!
Hear the church bells ring on Sunday!
Mississippi!

Ah, throughout the world,
Sleeps the recipe of happiness!
The blues float down the great river!
Mississippi!

~

Author's Note:

Mississippi's version was difficult to create due to the state's poor track record. Like, there was plenty of material relating to the Mississippi's bad reputation that could easily get a laugh out of people or make the song sound like a roast. However, I didn't want to be too harsh on the state. So, I instead went with a more subtle approach when it came to mentioning the state's reputation.

Everything else outside the state's reputation had to be dug from every website I could find. In my opinion, the information I found paled in comparison to the interesting stuff I found with other states. Because of the state's small culture, I could only make do with what I found. Otherwise, Mississippi's version would've been bare-boned.

Footnotes:

• Sweet tea is a popular beverage in the South. Though the town of Biloxi, Mississippi had a role in the development of root beer and Coca-Cola, I mainly see my Mississippi OC preferring sweet tea.
• Mississippi mud pie is a chocolate pie that's usually served with ice cream.
• "The Magnolia State" is Mississippi's official nickname.
• Mississippi is the most religious state in the country or at least one of the most religious.
• Mississippi is infamously known to have a low literacy rate.
• "Do a twirl" is a reference to the USA International Ballet Competition that's held in Jackson, Mississippi every four years.
• "The Hospitality State" is one of Mississippi's nicknames.
• Fried catfish is a common dish served in Mississippi who's one of the top harvesters of catfish.
• A prayer is often said before the start of dinner in many Southern homes.
• Hot tamales (aka Delta-style tamales) are different from Hispanic tamales for multiple reasons I can't fully describe without making these footnotes extra lengthy. Overall, I'm sure they taste fine and inoffensive.
• Alabama and Louisiana are some of Mississippi's neighbors.
• "Honey" is a popular term of endearment in the South. Also, Mississippi's state insect is the Western honey bee.
• "Do I look fat in this dress?" is a common question concerning appearances. I mainly used this line to highlight Mississippi's high rate of obesity.
• "Thank God for Mississippi" may sound prideful. But actually, it's a phrase coined by Mississippi's neighboring states whenever they need to feel good about their state's poor statistics. It's said along the lines: "If not for Mississippi's existence, [insert state] would've been a laughingstock."
• Delta blues is one of the early styles of blues music, originating in Mississippi.
• The word Mississippi comes from Misi zipi, the French rendering of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe or Algonquin) name for the river, Misi-ziibi (Great River).

☆☆☆☆☆

Feel free to vote and/or comment on any thoughts regarding these versions of Marukaite Chikyuu here.