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About Tennessee's Music, Art, and Drama

Music

In 2003, songwriting was adopted as an official state art form.

Art

Official State Painting. Tennessee Treasures
by Tennessee artist Michael Sloan

This painting was designated as the official painting of Tennessee in 1997. The painting features Tennessee's ten most recognizable symbols-raccoon, mockingbird, iris, passion wildflower, tulip poplar, Tennessee River pearl, lady bug, zebra swallowtail, largemouth bass and limestone-as well as images of the state flag, the actual geographic layout of the state, a gold-embossed seal of the state, and the signature of Tennessee's first governor, John Sevier.

Drama

Dance

Square dance was designated as the official state folk dance in 1980.

Tennessee State Poem

Adm Lawrence composed the poem below during 60 days of solitary confinement in a North Vietnamese prisoner of war camp. Lawrence spent six years as a POW. He is a Nashville native and is retired from the United State Navy.

“Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee”
by Naval Adm William Lawrence

Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee
What Love and Pride I Feel for Thee
You Proud Ole State, the Volunteer,
Your Proud Traditions I Hold Dear

I Revere Your Heroes
Who Bravely Fought our Country’s Foes
Renowned Statesmen, so Wise and Strong,
Who Served our Country Well and Long

I Thrill at Thought of Mountains Grand;
Rolling Green Hills and Fertile Farm Land;
Earth Rich with Stone, Mineral and Ore;
Forests Dense and Wild Flowers Galore;

Powerful Rivers that Bring us Light;
Deep Lakes with Fish and Fowl in Flight;
Thriving Cities and Industries;
Fine Schools and Universities;
Strong Folks of Pioneer Descent,
Simple, Honest, and Reverent

Beauty and Hospitality
Are the Hallmarks of Tennessee

And O’er the World as I May Roam,
No Place Exceeds my Boyhood Home
And Oh How Much I Long to See
My Native Land, My Tennessee