Much of the song uses ocean imagery, and references to Rhode Island's historic neighborhoods, landmarks, and leaders, including College Hill, the Jewelry District, the State House, and Roger Williams.
Herring gulls that dot the sky, blue waves that paint the rocks, waters rich with Neptune's life, the boats that line the docks, I see the lighthouse flickering to help the sailors see.
I love the fresh October days, the buzz on College Hill, art that moves an eye to tear, a jeweler’s special skill.
The skyline piercing Providence, the State House dome so rare, residents who speak their minds; No longer unaware!
Roger Williams would be proud to see his “colony” so don't sell short this precious port: Rhode Island's it for me.
Some sources suggest that local comedian Charlie Hall[6] wrote the song after his second cousin Providence Mayor Vincent A.
[13][14] Congress prompted some rewrites to the lyrics, seeking expansion and diversification of state references, but ultimately approved the song and officially adopted it on July 29, 1996.