State Song Of New Mexico

“O Fair New Mexico,” Is The Official State Song Of New Mexico. New Mexico Adopted “O Fair New Mexico,”  Written by Elizabeth Garrett (the blind daughter of the famed sheriff, Pat Garrett) as the official New Mexico State Song in 1917. The Singer Elizabeth Garrett was the daughter of former Lincoln County Sheriff Pat Garrett. Elizabeth Garrett was born in 1885 on Garrett’s ranch, in Little Creek Canyon, north of the village of Alto.

She lost her eyesight a few hours after birth, due to an over-application of “blue vitriol” to her eyes to prevent infection. She was one of seven children. Elizabeth Garrett was persuaded to sing her composition, “O, Fair New Mexico”, for the New Mexico Legislature. (The New Mexico State Song “O Fair New Mexico,” was published by Gamble Hinged Music Company, Chicago, Illinois). Elizabeth Garrett performance impressed the Legislature so much that they voted unanimously, to make “O, Fair New Mexico” the official state song. It was adopted as the State Song Of New Mexico by an act of the legislature, approved on March 14, 1917. The legislation of “O Fair New Mexico,” As The New Mexico State Song was signed by Governor Washington E. Lindsey.

 

O, Fair New Mexico

Words and Music by Elizabeth Garrett

 

Under a sky of azure, where balmy breezes blow,

Kissed by the golden sunshine, is Nuevo México.

Home of the Montezuma, with fiery hearts aglow,

State of the deeds historic is Nuevo México.

 

Chorus

O fair New Mexico, we love, we love you so

Our hearts with pride overflow, no matter where we go,

O fair New Mexico, we love, we love you so,

The grandest state to know, New Mexico.

 

Second Verse

Rugged and high sierras, with deep canyons below;

Dotted with fertile valleys, is Nuevo México.

Fields full of sweet alfalfa, richest perfumes bestow,

State of the apple blossoms is Nuevo México.

 

Chorus

 

Third Verse

Days that are full of heart-dreams, nights when the moon hangs low;

Beaming its benediction, o’er Nuevo México.

Land with its bright mañana, coming through weal and woe;

State of our esperanza is Nuevo México.