Baltimore, Our Baltimore

In 1915, Baltimore's Mayor Preston held a competition to write a Municipal Anthem. The winning words were by Folger McKinsey and the winning music was by Emma Hemberger. Public school students used to have to learn this song, and audience members occasionally remark that they learned it as children. Recently, however it has been fading into oblivion. The Dan Meyer Choir performs a gospel-style version of the Baltimore Municipal Anthem.

Lyrics:

Baltimore, where Carroll flourished and the fame of Calvert grew!
Here the old defenders conquered as their valiant swords they drew.
Here the starry banner glistened in the sunshine of the sea,
In that dawn of golden vision that awoke the song of Key:
Here are hearts that beat forever for the city we adore;
Here the love of sisters, brothers: Baltimore, our Baltimore!

Words by Folger McKinsey (1915)
Music by Emma Hemberger (1916)
This arrangement © 2010, Daniel C. Meyer