As citizens of Virginia, we request that the Virginia General Assembly move forward with making Virginia, the Home of My Heart our Official State Song. In addition to meeting the criteria listed in the bill, this song also fulfills the criteria set forth years ago, when a song search was first established:

Dignity. Adaptability for various uses. “Sing-ability.” Value as a tool to promote the State. Broad age appeal. Visual images of Virginia's historic, natural, and scenic beauty. (In addition, the form indicated that if geographic references were included in a song, such terms should be inclusive enough to represent all Virginians.)

A State Song serves as an “anthem” for the state, and the lyrics of the State Song should be able to stand on their own as poetry, without the accompanying music. The song should be able to be sung at a variety of occasions, from celebratory to somber.  And the song should fit the public image/brand of the state. Without question, Virginia’s brand ("Virginia Is for Lovers”) dovetails with this song. Virginia, the Home of My Heart is the perfect fit for all these requirements.

For seventeen years, the State Song issue has come before our General Assembly.  It is time to move forward.  It is time to choose a song we can sing proudly--one that is timeless in its melody and lyrics.  We need a song our children can sing, a song their children can sing, a song their grandchildren’s children can sing. Our beautiful Commonwealth deserves a beautiful, timeless State Song. Virginia, the Home of My Heart is that song.