Music Commission News
“Under New Mexico Skies” Declared Official State Cowboy Song
posted Mar 29, 2009
“Under New Mexico Skies” Declared Official State Cowboy Song
SANTA FE — Governor Bill Richardson signed a bill, HB 389, declaring “Under New Mexico Skies” the official state cowboy song. The song was written and performed by Syd Masters of Edgewood. Masters has given the state permission to use the song.
During their 2007 Legislative Session, New Mexico lawmakers passed a memorial that set the stage for a state cowboy song competition to be run by the New Mexico Music Commission. Representative Gloria Vaughn sponsored the memorial and helped kick off the competition at the Western Music Association’s International Music Festival. The Music Commission then chose “Under New Mexico Skies” from a total of 26 songs.
“This song with its rolling melody and only-in-New Mexico lyrics makes a great statement about the beauty and cultural richness of our state,” said Rep. Vaughn.
The official state cowboy song, “Under New Mexico Skies,” joins a number of symbols that represent New Mexico including Piñon, the state tree; Chile and Beans, the official state vegetables; and the state slogan, “Everybody is Somebody in New Mexico.”
House Bill 389 was also sponsored by Rep. Vaughn.
The words of the state cowboy song, “Under New Mexico Skies”:
(first verse)
Where the Piñon Mesa rolls
And the campfire cures your woes
Watchin' the sly roadrunner flee
On the tail of an autumn breeze
I'm leanin' against a juniper bole
As the creek water takes a stroll
(chorus)
That's where you'll find me
Where the big back country lies
There the cowboy's free to ride
Out under New Mexico skies
(second verse)
Where the lean jack hops along
And the coyote sings his song
Up high the rocky spires shade
The sunny desert days
I'm leanin' against adobe walls of old
Their stories to be told
(chorus)
That's where you'll find me
Where the big back country lies
There the cowboy's free to ride
Out under New Mexico skies
(third verse)
Just me and a covey of gamblin' quail
Lopin' down the Turquoise Trail
(chorus)
That's where you'll find me
Where the big back country lies
There the cowboy's free to ride
Out under New Mexico skies".
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Contact: Nancy Laflin
(505) 827-6454
nancy.laflin@state.nm.us