Glorious fall foliage on the Highland Scenic Highway in West Virginia. Photo by ForestWander Nature Photography (use permitted with attribution).
Official State Song of West Virginia
"The West Virginia Hills" by Ellen King and H.E. Engle was designated an official state song of West Virginia February 3, 1961. All State Songs
West Virginia recognizes three other state songs; "West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home" adopted in 1947, "This is My West Virginia" adopted in 1963, and "Take Me Home Country Roads," adopted in 2014.
Lyrics to "The West Virginia Hills"
Oh, the West Virginia hills! How majestic and how grand,
With their summits bathed in glory, like the Prince Immanuel's Land!
Is it any wonder then, That my heart with rapture thrills,
As I stand once more with loved ones on those West Virginia hills?
CHORUS
Oh, the hills, beautiful hills, how I love those West Virginia hills!
If o'er sea o'er land I roam, still I'll think of happy home,
And my friends among the West Virginia hills.
VERSE 2
Oh, the West Virginia hills! Where my childhood hours were passed,
Where I often wandered lonely, and the future tried to cast;
Many are our visions bright, which the future ne'er fulfills;
But how sunny were my daydreams on those West Virginia hills!
VERSE 3
Oh, the West Virginia hills! How unchang'd they seem to stand,
With their summits pointed skyward to the Great Almighty's Land!
Many changes I can see, which my heart with sadness fills;
But no changes can be noticed In those West Virginia hills.
VERSE 4
Oh, the West Virginia hills! I must bid you now adieu.
In my home beyond the mountains I shall ever dream of you;
In the evening time of life, if my Father only wills,
I shall still behold the vision of those West Virginia hills.
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