Utah State Hymn

"Utah We Love Thee"

Words and Music by Evan Stephen

Adopted on February 17, 1937(Song).
Change to Hymn (May 5, 2003)

"Utah We Love Thee" adopted on February 17, 1937 as

Utah's State Song, then changed to Utah's State Hymn

on May 5, 2003.

Utah Legislature
63-13-5.5.  State symbols.
 (17) Utah's state hymn is "Utah We Love Thee" by Evan Stephens.

"Utah We Love Thee"

Land of the mountains high, Utah, we love thee,
Land of the sunny sky, Utah, we love thee!
Far in the glorious west, throned on the mountain's crest,
In robes of statehood dressed, Utah, we love thee!

Columbia's brightest star, Utah, we love thee,
Thy luster shines afar, Utah, we love thee!
Bright in our banner's blue, among her sisters true
She proudly comes to view, Utah, we love thee!

Land of the pioneers, Utah, we love thee,
Grow with the coming years, Utah, we love thee!
With wealth and peace in store, to fame and glory soar,
God guarded, evermore, Utah, we love thee!

Origin of Song:

'Utah, We Love Thee,' was written by Evan Stephens as Utah was obtaining statehood. Utah had experienced great changes from the arrival of the pioneers in 1847 to long awaited statehood in 1896. The size of the territory had diminished while settlements spread throughout the land, Utah's citizens included people from a variety of countries, cultures and religions. Technology had advanced from handcarts and candles to streetcars and electric lights. On January 4, 1896 Utah entered the Union. The people had great celebrations! 'Utah, We Love Thee' was adopted by the Utah State Legislature on February 19, 1917. Because statehood was on the mind of the composer, there are many references to Utah taking its rightful place in the union.

In 2003, the Utah State Legislature, in HB223, voted to change the state song to "Utah, This is the Place." In 1996, Sam and Gary Francis wrote "Utah, This is the Place" for Utah´s centennial celebration. Rep. Dana Love, R-Syracuse, sponsored the change at the behest of the Cook Elementary School in Syracuse. See the Utah State Song for more information.

The first Utah State Song (now State Hymn), entitled Utah We Love Thee written by Evan Stephens, was adopted by the State Legislature on February 17, 1937, to become effective on February 24, 1937 (Utah Code). The author builds the theme of this song about Utah's mountains, sunny skies, State flag, pioneers, and closes by predicting that Utah will grow along the lines of wealth, peace, fame, and glory. He also stresses the great love of the people of Utah for their State. This song with words and music was published by the Deseret Sunday School Union, Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1917.