The West Virginia Hills

The West Virginia Hills ist eines von vier Staatsliedern von West Virginia.

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Geschichte

The West Virginia Hills wurde 1879 als Gedicht geschrieben, das von der Landschaft rund um Glenville inspiriert und 1885 von Henry Everett Engle vertont wurde. Das Lied wurde am 3. Februar 1961 zu einem der Staatslieder von West Virginia ernannt.

Während das Originalgedicht traditionell Ellen Ruddell King zugeschrieben wird, glauben einige, dass die Texte tatsächlich von ihrem Ehemann, Reverend David King, geschrieben wurden.

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Oh, the West Virginia hills! How majestic and how grand,

With their summits bathed in glory, Like our 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!

II.

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!

III.

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!

IV.

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!