The song, written in 1851, is often credited with starting the tourist industry in Florida. It was the most popular song published, familiar in every culture at the time, and drew millions of people from around the world seeking a glimpse of the river and the idyllic home Foster so masterfully described in the song's lyrics.
Today, the song has fallen out of favor. Governor Charlie Crist and former governor Jeb Bush both refused to have it played at their inaugurations. The controversy seems to be over what some believe is the song's "racial overtones." The song was written for the minstrel stage where actors painted their faces sang with exaggerated dialect. Foster's intended meaning for the song was that no matter how far any of us may travel, our hearts ache for the best memories of our family and parents ("old folks"), and the familiar surroundings of our home. It was common knowledge that many blacks did yearn to go back to the plantations where they were better off, thus at one time the song was largely adopted by black people to express their emotions. Still, during and after the civil rights era, many believe that any song associated with negative ethnic images should not be played.
Florida's legislature is even considering permanently replacing the anthem. They commissioned a contest last year, and "Florida — Where the Sawgrass Meets the Sky," written by a South Florida elementary school music teacher, won the competition. The controversy and discussion continues among legislators.
