[1] Winifred Lee Brent Lyster of Detroit wrote the original 1862 lyrics of "Michigan, My Michigan" to the tune of "O Tannenbaum" (known in English as "O Christmas Tree"), and which was also the melody of "Maryland, My Maryland", a former state song of the state of Maryland.
Mrs. Lyster was inspired to write the song after the Battle of Fredericksburg.
In 1902, Douglas Malloch wrote the current lyrics for a convention of the Michigan State Federation of Woman's Clubs in Muskegon.
From Saginaw’s tall whispering pines To Lake Superior’s farthest mines, Fair in the light of memory shines Michigan, my Michigan.
Beneath a hostile southern sky They bore thy banner proud and high, Ready to fight but never fly, Michigan, my Michigan.
The soldier, weary from the fight, Sleeps sound, nor fears the rebels’ might, For "Michigan’s on guard tonight!"
"Their strong arms crumble in the dust, And their bright swords have gathered rust; Their memory is our sacred trust," Michigan, my Michigan.
Although for us the clay was lost, Still it shall be our broadest boast: At Fredericksburg our Seventh crossed!
No promise unfulfilled;—on trust Thy noble sons have bit the dust, Remembered are they.
And templed cities rise in sight, And happy eyes catch heaven's light, Our God protects thee through the night, Michigan, my Michigan.
As to thy lakes, the rivers tend, Thine exiled children to thee send Devotion that shall never end, Oh, Michigan, my Michigan.