Oklahoma Governor Realizes Flaming Lips' Greatness
Last fall, 10 finalists--including pop-rockers the All-American Rejects, bluesman J.J. Cale, new-wavers the Call, surf heroes the Ventures, and '50s rockabilly goddess Wanda Jackson--competed in a public poll have one of their recordings be the Official Oklahoma Rock Song. The poll was part of the Oklahoma History Center's celebration of the state's rock 'n' roll history, to be featured in an exhibit entitled "Another Hot Oklahoma Night" starting May 2, 2009.
Well, surprisingly--or perhaps not surprisingly, given the passion of the Flaming Lips' fanbase--psychedelic eccentrics the Lips won the poll by a landslide with their 2002 dreamy indie hit, "Do You Realize." (Out of 21,000 total votes, the Lips received more than 10,000.)
This outcome made Flaming Lips fans happy, but it made certain Oklahoma state officials flaming mad.
The Oklahoma House actually rejected the resolution to make "Do You Realize" Oklahoma's official rock song. because Lips bassist Michael Ivins wore a red T-shirt emblazoned with a yellow sickle-&-hammer Communist Party symbol when visiting the state Capitol in March 2009. "I was really offended by that," said Rep. Corey Holland.
Rep. Mike Reynolds was also less than thrilled with the Lips' poll victory, mainly because the band used profanity at the 2007 ceremony for the Oklahoma City alley (yes, alley) named in the band's honor. "Their lips ought to be on fire," Reynolds remarked.
As a result, the House voted down the measure.
However, today Oklahoma governor Brad Henry--who praised the Lips for their "creative, fun, and provocative rock music"--announced that he will override the House's decision and sign an executive order to name "Do You Realize" as the state's official rock song after all. He will in fact sign the resolution at a ceremony next Tuesday attended by the Lips, who will hopefully refrain from wearing controversial T-shirts or spewing profanity that day.
"The music of the Flaming Lips has earned Grammys, glowing critical acclaim, and fans all over the world," Governor Henry said. "A truly iconic rock 'n' roll band, they are proud ambassadors of their home state. They were clearly the people's choice, and I intend to honor that vote."
The Universe!!
(The musicians mentioned in this blog do not even scratch the surface of Oklahoma's outstanding musical legacy.)
Boomer Sooner!
The Oklahoma House ought to be ashamed.
This tune is a pleasure to hear and concise in message to me.
The Sun doesn't set...
I hope those opposed can realize it is an excellent choice for the state song.
Kudos to Gov. Henry for being a true American!
BOOMER SOONERS!
How do YOU get to Heaven?
Look at the 10 Commandments. The requirement of the 1st is to love God above all else? Have you broken the 2nd by making a god in your mind to suit yourself? That’s called Idolatry. Have you ever used God's name in vain? Have you always honored your parents? Have you hated someone? The Bible says, "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer." The 7th is "You shall not commit adultery." Have you ever stolen or lied? On Judgment Day, will you be found innocent or guilty? Will you go to Heaven or Hell? The Bible warns that all liars, thieves, fornicators, and adulterers will end up in Hell. But God made a way for you to be forgiven. Jesus suffered and died on the cross to satisfy the Moral Law, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Then Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death. That means that God can forgive you and grant you the gift of everlasting life. Confess your sins to God today, put your trust in Jesus to save you, and you will pass from death to life. You have God's promise on it. Pray like this: "Dear God, today I turn away from all of my sins (name them) and I put my trust in Jesus Christ alone as my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me, change my heart, and grant me Your gift of everlasting life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen." The sincerity of your prayer will be evidenced by your obedience to God. Read His Word, the Bible, and obey what you read.
this isn't rock regardless of whether I like the band (I do btw).
Besides, they have MUCH better songs than this.
Whatever.