The song used as the anthem for the state of Maryland is no more, following approval by Governor Larry Hogan to repeal its use.
Months after the state's legislature voted to eliminate the song, Maryland, My Maryland, Hogan approved the move. The song has been regarded as controversial, as was written during the Civil War.
"We're repealing the state song. It is a relic of the Confederacy, which is clearly outdated and out of touch," Hogan said on Tuesday.
The song contains words implying that Abraham Lincoln is a "tyrant" and a "despot" and refers to the Union as "Northern scum."
The poem used as the lyrics to the song set to the tune of O Tannenbaum, was written in 1861 and was inspired by the Pratt Street Riots of that year. The riot involved sympathizers of the South attack North infantry units as they marched through Baltimore on their way to DC., days after the first shots that started the Civil War were fired.
The song became an anthem for the Confederacy quickly after its introduction. It was adopted as the state song in 1939. Controversy has surrounded it since at least the 1960s, and numerous attempts to have it repealed have until now failed to pass by lawmakers.
Here are the full lyrics to Maryland, My Maryland:
The despot's heel is on thy shore
Maryland, my Maryland
His torches at thy temple door
Maryland, my Maryland
Avenge the patriotic gore
That flecked the streets of Baltimore
And be the battle queen of yore
Maryland, my Maryland
Thou wilt not cower in the dust
Maryland, my Maryland
Thy beaming sword shall never rust
Maryland, my Maryland
Remember Carroll's sacred trust
Remember Howard's warlike thrust
And though thy slumberers with the just
Maryland, my Maryland
Dear mother, burst the tyrant's chain
Maryland, my Maryland
Virginia should not call in vain
Maryland, my Maryland
She meets her sisters on the plain
"Sic semper" 'tis the proud refrain
That baffle's minions back o'Maine
Maryland, my Maryland
Arise, arise in majesty again
Maryland, Maryland, my Maryland
Source: NPR.org