Texas Needs An Official State Rock Song, And I Think I’ve Found It

I was reading today that Ohio is the only state with an official state rock song.

That song is "Hang On Sloopy" by The McCoys, a band with roots in the Dayton area. The song also became a huge tradition at Ohio State University, which helped earn it the official designation.

So why don't more states have official rock songs?

My guess is that it just hasn't been a priority. That's okay, but we have official state birds, flowers, reptiles, and just about everything else you can imagine. Maybe it's time to give rock and roll a little recognition, too.

There is a problem, though. Even something as simple as choosing a state rock song can get political. Let's look at some of the potential problems right here in Texas.

ZZ Top – "La Grange"

Right off the bat, "La Grange" seems like the obvious choice. The band is from Texas, the song takes place in Texas, and it has that unmistakable, only-in-Texas kind of vibe.

The problem is, uh...the subject matter.

You can't exactly have an official state rock song about a brothel. Well, you probably could, but I imagine somebody in Austin would have a problem with it.

Toadies – "Possum Kingdom"

Next up for me would be "Possum Kingdom" by the Toadies. It's a fantastic song by a Texas band, and it's named after an actual Texas location.

Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure there's a dead body somewhere behind that boathouse. The lyrics are creepy enough that I'm guessing this one wouldn't make it through the legislature, either.

The Union Underground – "South Texas Deathride"

Now we're talking! A Texas band with a song that actually has South Texas in the title.

Unfortunately, we've got that whole "deathride" thing going on. I can already imagine some politician clutching their pearls over this one.

Anchored – "Dirty in Texas"

Another Texas band, another song that celebrates the Lone Star State, and another potential public relations nightmare.

Apparently, rock bands aren't particularly concerned about writing songs that will someday be approved by state lawmakers.

AC/DC – "Thunderstruck"

Here's an interesting possibility. AC/DC isn't from Texas, but the song specifically mentions Texas.

It's one of the most recognizable rock songs in the world, and it would certainly sound great at sporting events.

The problem? Making an Australian band's song the official rock song of Texas seems like a bit of a stretch. We have plenty of homegrown talent.

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Pantera – "Cowboys From Hell"

Now we're getting somewhere.

Pantera is from Arlington, Texas, and "Cowboys From Hell" practically drips with Texas attitude.

Sure, the lyrics are a little violent, and there's no actual mention of Texas, but come on. It's Pantera. It's cowboys. It's loud, aggressive, and unapologetic.

That's pretty Texas.

Still, I suspect the phrase "Cowboys From Hell" might not go over particularly well with certain members of the Texas Legislature.

And The Winner Is... Stevie Ray Vaughan – "Texas Flood"

After considering the alternatives, I think I've found our winner.

"Texas Flood" by Stevie Ray Vaughan.

It's got Texas right there in the title. It's performed by one of the greatest guitarists the state ever produced, and it represents a huge part of our musical heritage.

Sure, the song was originally recorded by Larry Davis, and technically it's more blues than rock.

But nobody's perfect.

Besides, Stevie Ray Vaughan could play circles around just about anybody, and his version of "Texas Flood" is a master class in electric guitar.

It's powerful, unmistakably Texan, and doesn't require explaining a brothel, a possible murder, or why the state is officially endorsing cowboys from Hell.

So there you have it. I'm officially nominating Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Texas Flood" as the official state rock song of Texas.

Now, if we can just get the politicians to agree on something that actually rocks.

What song would YOU nominate as the official state rock song of Texas?