Do You Realize What Oklahoma’s State Song Is?

This news really amuses me – I had no idea the Sooner State was that cool! I mean, no offense to any Oklahoman readers, it’s just that the Flaming Lips are kind of out there.

The psychedelic alternative band’s song, which hails from 2002’s Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, became the official state rock song as part of Senate Joint Resolution 24, according to a press release from the Oklahoma Historical Society.

“We have an official state folk song [“Oklahoma Hills” by Woody and Jack Guthrie] and a state country song [“Faded Love” by John and Bob Wills]. With as many outstanding rock artists as we have in Oklahoma, it was time to recognize this music as well,” said Sen. Mike Schulz, R-Altus, according to Time.

Oh, and don’t worry – “Oklahoma” from Rogers & Hammerstein’s musical-theater is still the official state song. Whew.

After Oklahomans nominated over 450 songs, an official Oklahoma Rock Advisory Panel narrowed down the competition to 10 tunes.

The public then voted on the Web site oklahomarocksong.org and out of the 21,061 votes, nearly 51 percent picked “Do You Realize??,” according to Time.

The tune was composed and written by members Wayne Coyne, Steven Drozd, Michael Ivins and Dave Fridmann. The Grammy award-winning band formed in Oklahoma City in 1983.

Hmmm. Maybe the song was chosen because Oklahomans wanted to remind each other that they “the most beautiful face[s].” Or maybe it’s an answer to kids who ask about the sun setting – “You realize the sun doesn’t go down. It’s just an illusion caused by the world spinning round.” Oh, and I hope “you realize – we’re floating in space.”

Perhaps it’s just the state’s version of stop and smell the roses –

“Do You Realize – that everyone you know someday will die
And instead of saying all of your goodbyes – let them know
You realize that life goes fast
It’s hard to make the good things last”

Rolling Stone noted that the other nine finalists included “Let’s Have a Party” by Wanda Jackson (1958); “Walk Don’t Run” by The Ventures (1960); “Endless Oklahoma Sky” by John Moreland and the Black Gold Band (2008); “Home Sweet Oklahoma” by Leon Russell (1971); “Move Along” by the All-American Rejects (2005); “Never Been to Spain” written by Hoyt Axton (1971); “Oklahoma” by The Call (1986); “Heartbreak Hotel” written by Mae Boren Axton (1956); and “After Midnight” by J.J. Cale (1965).

Read the Time article here.
Read the Rolling Stone article here.