"Utah...This Is the Place"
is the
regional anthem
An anthem is a musical composition of celebration, usually used as a symbol for a distinct group, particularly the national anthems of countries. Originally, and in music theory and religious contexts, it also refers more particularly to shor ...
(or
state song) of the
U.S. state
In the United States, a state is a constituent political entity, of which there are 50. Bound together in a political union, each state holds governmental jurisdiction over a separate and defined geographic territory where it shares its sove ...
of
Utah
Utah ( , ) is a state in the Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. Utah is a landlocked U.S. state bordered to its east by Colorado, to its northeast by Wyoming, to its north by Idaho, to its south by Arizona, and to it ...
. It was written in 1996 by Sam and Gary Francis for Utah's centennial celebrations. It replaced "
Utah, We Love Thee" as the state song in 2003, after 4th grade students at Cook Elementary wanted a song that was fun to sing.
The students talked to their local state representative, Dana Love, and she drafted a bill that passed the state legislature on 28 February 2003, and was signed by then Utah Governor
Mike Leavitt on 15 March 2003.
The previous song, "
Utah, We Love Thee", became the State Hymn.
This song was placed in the public domain by the composers when it was made the state song of Utah. The song is referenced imprecisely in official publications variously by the names "Utah, This is the Place"
and "Utah This is the Place".
Though the Utah-themed children's album on which the song has been published by its writers is named "Utah, This Is This Place", the song itself is named "Utah...This Is the Place".
Lyrics
Utah! People working together
Utah! What a great place to be.
Blessed from Heaven above.
It's the land that we love.
This is the place!
Utah! With its mountains and valleys.
Utah! With its canyons and streams.
You can go anywhere.
But there's none that compare.
This is the place!
It was Brigham Young
Brigham Young (; June 1, 1801August 29, 1877) was an American religious leader and politician. He was the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), from 1847 until his death in 1877. During his time as ch ...
who led the pioneers across the plains.
They suffered with the trials they had to face.
With faith they kept on going till they reached the Great Salt Lake
Here they heard the words, "This is the place!"
Utah! With its focus on family,
Utah! Helps each child to succeed.
People care how they live.
Each has so much to give.
This is the place!
Utah! Getting bigger and better.
Utah! Always leading the way.
New technology's here...
Growing faster each year.
This is the place!
There is beauty in the snow-capped mountains, in the lakes and streams.
There are valleys filled with farms and orchards too.
The spirit of its people shows in everything they do.
Utah is the place where dreams come true.
Utah! With its pioneer spirit.
Utah! What a great legacy!
Blessed from Heaven above.
It's the land that we love.
This is the place
Utah! Utah! Utah!
This is the place!
See also
*
Mormon handcart pioneers
The Mormon handcart pioneers were participants in the migration of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) to Salt Lake City, Utah, who used handcarts to transport their belongings. The Mormon handcart movement b ...
*
Mormon pioneers
*
Mormon Trail
*
Pioneer Day (Utah)
Pioneer Day is an official holiday celebrated on July 24 in the American state of Utah, with some celebrations taking place in regions of surrounding states originally settled by Mormon pioneers. It commemorates the entry of Brigham Young and t ...
*
This Is the Place Heritage Park
This is the Place Heritage Park is a List of Utah State Parks, Utah State Park that is located on the east side of Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, at the foot of the Wasatch Range and near the mouth of Emigration Canyon, Utah, Emigration Ca ...
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This Is the Place Monument
The This is the Place Monument is a historical monument at the This is the Place Heritage Park, located on the east side of Salt Lake City, Utah, at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. It is named in honor of Brigham Young's famous statement in 1 ...
References
External links
Official Bill to change the state song, House bill 223 from the 2003 General Legislative Sessionof "Utah, We Love Thee" and "Utah, This is the Place".
Utah, This is the Placealbum at classroomclassics.com.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Utah...This Isthe Place
1996 songs
Music of Utah
Songs about the United States
Symbols of Utah
Utah 2003
Songs about Utah