Imagine a state as vibrant and storied as New Jersey cruising through history without its own official soundtrack – the lone wolf in the pack of 50 that still hasn't claimed a anthem to call its own! It's a curious gap in what makes states feel uniquely American, but what if the roar of Bruce Springsteen's 'Born to Run' could finally fill that void? That's exactly the passionate push from Dr. Rich Lee, a journalism professor at St. Bonaventure University, who's dusting off his long-held dream to make this iconic track the Garden State's signature tune.
So, picture this: If you had the power to pick New Jersey's official song, what melody would you choose to represent the state's gritty spirit, from its bustling highways to its diverse communities? For Dr. Lee, there's no debate – it's got to be 'Born to Run,' the Bruce Springsteen anthem that captures the raw energy and restless drive of Jersey life. And here's where it gets personal: Before diving into academia, Lee cut his teeth as a young journalist in the 1980s, reporting on the rock 'n' roll scene right here in the Garden State. It was during those electrifying days of covering music that he first championed this idea.
Flash back to 1980, when Lee penned a compelling op-ed for The New York Times titled 'In Support of a Proposal for a State Anthem.' In it, he traced the roots of the movement to what began as a playful joke on WPLJ-FM radio. Disc jockey Carol Miller kicked off her airplay of 'Born to Run' by declaring, 'Everyone please rise for the New Jersey state anthem.' What started as a lighthearted gag soon sparked real momentum. The New Jersey Council on the Arts was already pondering a state anthem, and Miller's fun proclamation acted like the first domino in a chain reaction. Supportive letters poured in, and Assemblyman Richard F. Visotcky from Garfield introduced a bill to officially crown the Springsteen hit as New Jersey's anthem.
Fast-forward over four decades, and Lee believes the argument is even more compelling now. To bolster his case, he's delved deep into research on state anthems across the country, uncovering how songs often reflect a region's history, values, and culture – think of how 'God Bless America' evokes national pride or how folk tunes honor local legends. Lee also interviewed key players from the original push, including Carol Miller herself and Robert Visotcky, the son of the late Assemblyman, who played a crucial role in persuading his dad to sponsor that historic legislation back in the day. This adds a human touch, showing how grassroots enthusiasm can shape policy.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is a high-energy rock song like 'Born to Run' – with its themes of escape, rebellion, and the open road – the right fit for an official state symbol? Critics might argue it's too modern or divisive, preferring something more traditional and inclusive. Yet, for many Jersey natives, the lyrics resonate deeply: lines like 'Sprung from cages out on Highway 9, chrome wheeled, fuel injected and steppin' out over the line' paint a vivid picture of the state's highway culture and bold, boundary-pushing attitude. Could this be the anthem that unites the state, or does it risk alienating those who prefer classical or patriotic standards?
Lee's findings will be unveiled this Friday at 1:45 p.m. during the Mid-Atlantic Popular & American Culture conference in Philadelphia. He'll be joined by Conor Amendola, a Media Studies major at St. Bonaventure who helped with the research, bringing fresh perspectives to the table. The big question looms: Will the New Jersey legislature finally take notice and adopt a song that mirrors the state's identity and cultural heartbeat?
And this is the part most people miss – state songs aren't just relics; they can inspire pride and foster a sense of community. For instance, consider how 'Yankee Doodle' embodies America's revolutionary spirit or how local anthems in other states highlight regional quirks, like Texas's nod to its cowboy heritage. 'Born to Run' could do the same for New Jersey, celebrating its immigrant roots, industrial past, and unyielding resilience.
Do you back the effort to make 'Born to Run' New Jersey's official song? Is Springsteen's rock classic the ultimate emblem of the Garden State, or should we explore other options? What do you think – does a modern anthem better reflect today's diverse society, or does it stray too far from tradition? Share your opinions, agreements, or disagreements in the comments below; let's spark a conversation about what truly defines New Jersey!
Peter Candia
Peter Candia serves as the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A proud alumnus of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter discovered his love for writing during his studies and has been chasing stories ever since. With experience as a line cook, server, and bartender at acclaimed spots across the tri-state area, he brings a hands-on flair to his work. Beyond the culinary world, Peter is passionate about politics, music, sports, and all things New Jersey – proving that great writing often stems from a life richly lived.
