Tennessee State Song

"When It's Iris Time In Tennessee "

Written by Willa Waid Newman

Adopted in 1935.

"When It's Iris Time In Tennessee " was adopted in 1935.

"When It's Iris Time In Tennessee "

First Verse

Sweetness of Spring memories bring
Of a place I long to be.
Land of Sunshine calls this old hear of mine,
Come back to Tennessee.

Second Verse

Rocks and the rills deep tinted hills,
Three's no spot so dear to me.
Where'er I roam still it's my Home Sweet Home,
My own, my Tennessee.

Chorus

When it's Iris time down in Tennessee,
I'll be coming back to stay
Where the mockingbird sings at the break of day
A lilting love song gay.
Where the Iris grows,
Where the Harpeth flows,
That is where I long to be.
There's a picture there that lives in memory
When it's Iris time in Tennessee.

Origin of Song:

In 1935, When It's Iris Time in Tennessee by Willa Waid Newman also became an official state song. This song was adopted by the 69th General Assembly in Chapter 154 of the Public Acts.