Indiana
Ray Brown J.C. Heard Barney Kessel Oscar Peterson Lester Young Lyrics

The song, "Back Home Again in Indiana" is a sentimental and nostalgic piece that expresses the joy of returning home after a long absence. The lyrics convey the delight of seeing familiar sights and experiencing the scents and sounds that are uniquely associated with the state. The opening lines, "Back home again in Indiana, and it seems that I can see the gleaming candlelight still shining bright through the sycamores for me," paints a vivid picture of the warmth and comfort associated with being in one's hometown. The song continues to capture the pleasant experience of walking through the fields and taking in the scent of new mown hay, a reminder of the beauty of Indiana. The line "When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash, then I long for my Indiana home" invokes the strong pull that the familiar sights and memories of one's homeland can have even when one is far away.

Upon hearing the song, one may notice that it has an upbeat melody that can entice one to sing along. The lyrics are simple, yet emotionally powerful, making it a staple in many jazz and bluegrass performances. The song is often played at the Indiana State Fair and the Indianapolis 500 race, which has been a tradition since 1946. "Back Home Again in Indiana" was written in 1917 by James F. Hanley and Ballard MacDonald, and it was first performed by the popular performer, Jan Garber. In 1937, the song became the official song of the State of Indiana. Moreover, numerous artists have covered the song, including Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong.

Additionally, "Back Home Again in Indiana" holds deep cultural significance to the state, as it serves as a unifying song that reminds Hoosiers (residents of Indiana) of the beauty, history, and values of their state. The opening lines, "I have always been a wanderer over land and sea, yet a moonbeam on the water casts a spell o'er me," is a relatable sentiment, as it expresses that no matter where one travels, one can still be pulled back to the places where their hearts and roots lie. The song also illuminates Indiana's natural landscapes, such as the Moonlight on the Wabash, a river that runs through the state. The song holds a special place in hearts of many Hoosiers, as it is often sung at sporting events, the state fair, and even in classrooms.

Chords (Key of C):
Verse: C, A7, Dm, G7, C, E7, A7, D7, G7
Chorus: C, A7, Dm, G7, C, E7, A7, D7, G7