Could a Bruce Springsteen anthem finally become New Jersey's official state song? The fact that the Garden State remains the ONLY state in the entire nation without one is a surprising oversight, and one determined professor is reigniting the fight to change that.
Dr. Rich Lee, a journalism professor at St. Bonaventure University, isn't just suggesting any song; he's championing a specific Springsteen masterpiece: "Born to Run." But why this song, and why now?
Lee's passion for this cause stretches back decades. Before his academic career, he was a young, energetic journalist immersed in the vibrant rock and roll scene of the 1980s. Writing about music within New Jersey's borders sparked the initial idea. Think of it: a song that captures the spirit of a state, its struggles, its hopes, and its dreams.
The idea took root in 1980 when Lee penned an op-ed in The New York Times titled "In Support of a Proposal for a State Anthem." He detailed how a seemingly lighthearted moment on WPLJ-FM, where disc jockey Carol Miller jokingly introduced "Born to Run" as the New Jersey state anthem, inadvertently set the ball rolling. But here's where it gets interesting... what started as a joke quickly gained momentum.
The New Jersey Council on the Arts was already contemplating the adoption of a state anthem. Miller's on-air pronouncement unleashed a wave of supportive letters. The buzz even reached the halls of government, with Assemblyman Richard F. Visotcky of Garfield introducing a bill to officially designate the Springsteen hit.
Now, fast forward over 40 years. Lee believes the argument for "Born to Run" is stronger than ever. To solidify his renewed push, he's conducted extensive research into the history and significance of state anthems. He's also interviewed key figures from the original movement, including Carol Miller herself, and Robert Visotcky, son of the late Assemblyman, who is credited with persuading his father to introduce the bill all those years ago. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn't just about a popular song; it was about capturing the essence of New Jersey.
Lee, assisted by St. Bonaventure Media Studies major Conor Amendola, is presenting his findings at the Mid-Atlantic Popular & American Culture conference in Philadelphia.
The core question remains: will the New Jersey legislature finally lend an ear? Could Lee's efforts finally lead to the adoption of a song that truly embodies the identity and culture of the Garden State? Imagine the opening lines of "Born to Run" – "Sprung from cages out on Highway 9, chrome wheeled, fuel injected and steppin’ out over the line" – becoming part of official state lore.
But here's a controversial thought: Is "Born to Run" too specific? Does it truly represent the diversity and evolving nature of New Jersey in the 21st century? Are there other songs, perhaps newer ones, that could better capture the spirit of the state?
So, what do you think? Does "Born to Run" deserve to be New Jersey's official anthem? Or should the state be looking for a different tune? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
