4 of the Best Songs About New Mexico
There are some beautiful and creative songs about New Mexico. This incredible state has been inspiring musical artists from the moment that it existed. Following are four of the best songs about New Mexico that you should listen to at least once! Then, share your own favorite songs in the comments.
1 Songs About New Mexico – O Fair New Mexico
‘O Fair New Mexico’ is one of the oldest songs about New Mexico that you can find. It is a tango song, originally written by Elizabeth Garrett. The song was approved as the official state song in 1917. Elizabeth Garrett was actually the daughter of the man who killed Billy the Kid (Sheriff Pat Garrett). She was also blind from infancy and became a teacher of piano and singing as an adult. Elizabeth also became a talented songwriter and singer who was known as the ‘Songbird of the Southwest.’
‘O Fair New Mexico’ has been performed by various music artists throughout the years since, including Busy McCarroll, who performed her version at the Burning of Zozobra in 2014.
2 Songs About New Mexico – Las Cruces
‘Las Cruces’ is a far more recent song (2016), though no less beautiful. It is an excellent expression of Bri Bagwell’s love of her hometown of Las Cruces, New Mexico. She grew up on a large farm with a music studio on the property. This is a country song that anyone who loves Las Cruces can appreciate.
3 Songs About New Mexico – Taos, New Mexico
Waylon Jennings was born in Texas, but clearly had a love for New Mexico. He started playing guitar and singing as a child and became a popular country singer as an adult. Jennings released ‘Taos, New Mexico’ in 1967 on an album called ‘Love of the Common People.’
4 Songs About New Mexico – Santa Fe
Bob Dylan was easily one of the most popular singers and songwriters of the 60’s and beyond. He was born in Minnesota, but experienced the whole US throughout his career. The song, ‘Santa Fe,’ was recorded in 1975 with the songs on ‘The Basement Tapes,’ but it wasn’t on the album. It was released later, with a copyright that prevents us from sharing the original version here. You can listen to a popular cover of the song, though, by Artmnet0, and feel how Bob Dylan was inspired by Santa Fe.
What are your favorite songs about New Mexico?
October 13, 2018 @ 3:23 pm
In the early-mid 1960s, one or more Albuquerque television stations signed-on with a song about New Mexico (not the one by Elizabeth Garrett). I think the lyrics began: “Mother Nature made New Mexico… It ended with: “…America’s enchanted land.” Can you find out anything about it? Maybe Howard Morgan (retired weatherman) would know.