Welcome to this occasional series where I am attempting a virtual journey around the 50 States of America in song. For anyone new to this place, I have a continuous route map where I enter and leave each state only once. Suggestions for the next leg always welcome!
Long term visitors to this place might remember this series from way back in 2017 when I started with great gusto then got stuck in Pennsylvania after finding no inspiration for songs that relate to Delaware (bar the obvious one), which was to be the next state on my route. I think it’s time to pick up on the Odyssey again as I never did reach the musically rich states and that’s just a sin.
But first a few fun facts about Delaware. It’s called The First State as after the American Revolution it was the first state to ratify the new Constitution. It is also the 2nd smallest state after Rhode Island. The north of the state is predominantly urban but the south of the state is mainly agrarian and has some fine beaches. The current president, Joe Biden, is from Delaware and he was governor of the state for many years.
Here’s something interesting for lovers of maps. As you might see from the map above, the northern border of Delaware was drawn with a compass centred on New Castle fanning out 12 miles. Early topography methods were flawed however and it was later discovered that a “wedge” remained between the Mason-Dixon line and the arc. Ownership was debated for many years and first it formed part of Pennsylvania but since 1921 has formed part of Delaware and is indeed called the Delaware Wedge. Just the kind of quirky facts I love.
As for a song for this state I have resisted for a long time now but yes, I’m going to go there. The novelty song Delaware was recorded by Perry Como in 1959 and mentions 15 states of the US in pun form. I get the puns for the first few verses but that last verse has me somewhat stumped – if anyone can help me out I’d be very grateful.
This is just the kind of song that would have popped up on Junior Choice, the radio show for kids, when I was growing up. The show was full of such songs but sadly I think the era of the novelty song is over which is a shame really as some have stayed with me for life.
I have been a bit mean about the song Delaware but it is the obvious contender for a journey round the 50 states. Are there many songs out there that reference this small state? If there are I can’t find them. After re-watching my DVD boxset of Live Aid not that long ago, I did discover that George Thorogood and The Destroyers came from the state, but I was never a fan so didn’t include them here. Sorry George.
The next state I will enter and leave only once is Maryland. If anyone can help me out with that one, again I’d be most grateful.
Until next time…
Delaware Lyrics
(Song by Irving Gordon)
Oh, what did Delaware boy what did Della wear?
What did Delaware boy, what did Della wear?
She wore a brand New Jersey, she wore a brand New Jersey
She wore a brand New Jersey, that’s what she did wear
Oh, why did California, why did Cali phone?
Why did California, was she all alone?
She called to say Hawaii, she called to say How are ya
She called to say how are ya, that’s why she did phone
Oh, what did Mississip boy, what did Missis sip?
What did Missis sip boy, through her pretty lips
She sipped a Minnesota, she sipped a mini soda
She sipped a mini soda, that’s what she did sip
Oh, where has Oregon boy, where as Ora gone?
If you want Alaska, I’ll ask her where she’s gone
She went to pay her Texas, she went to pay her taxes
She went to pay her taxes, that’s where she has gone
Oh, how did Wisconsin boy, she stole a NeBras-ky
Too bad that Arkan-sas boy, and so did Tenne-see
It made poor Flora-di, it made poor Flora-di you see
She died in Missouri boy, she died in Misery
Oh, what did Delaware, boy what did Delaware
What did Delaware boy, what did Delaware
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