The 50 States That Rhyme Lyrics America’s Catchiest Way to Never Forget a State Again

Hey, remember trying to memorize all fifty states in school and feeling like your brain was about to explode? Well, millions of kids (and plenty of adults) have found the perfect cheat code: the 50 states that rhyme lyrics. That unforgettable tune — usually called “Fifty Nifty United States” — turns geography into something that sticks like gum on a hot sidewalk. In this deep-dive article, we’re going to explore everything about this classic song, from its surprising origins to why it still rules classrooms today.

Where It All Began – The Birth of a Classroom Legend

Picture this: it’s 1961, and a talented Broadway composer named Ray Charles (no, not that Ray Charles — this one wrote for musicals) gets a fun request. A children’s TV show wants a snappy way to teach the states in alphabetical order. Boom! Ray sits down, grabs his piano, and “Fifty Nifty United States” is born.

Within months, the song spreads like wildfire. Teachers love it because kids suddenly know their states without tears. Students love it because, well, it’s actually fun. By the 1970s and 80s, almost every elementary school in America is belting out the 50 states that rhyme lyrics during music class or morning assembly. It becomes the original viral hit — before “viral” was even a thing!

Why Rhyming Works Like Magic on Our Brains

Ever wonder why you still remember “A-B-C-D-E-F-G” but forget where you parked your car? Science has the answer, and it’s pretty cool.

• Rhyme creates rhythm, and rhythm helps memory stick.
• Singing uses both sides of your brain at once — music + words = super-powered learning.
• The alphabetical order gives your mind a clear roadmap instead of random chaos.

Studies show people who learn with music remember 20-30% more than with plain lists. No wonder the 50 states that rhyme lyrics have outlasted every boring textbook list for over sixty years!

The Full Lyrics – Sing Along (You Know You Want To)

Here are the complete, official 50 states that rhyme lyrics just in case you need a refresher:

Fifty nifty United States from the thirteen original colonies,

Fifty nifty stars on the flag that billows so beautifully in the breeze.

Each individual state contributes a quality that is great.

Each individual state deserves a bow, we salute them now!

Fifty nifty United States from Alabama to Arkansas,

California, Colorado, Connecticut — hi, Delaware!

Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois,

Indiana, Iowa — still fifty nifty United States!

Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine,

Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan — hey, Minnesota!

Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska,

Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico — whew!

New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio,

Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania — now Rhode Island!

South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas,

Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming!

Alabam’, Alask’, Arizon’, Arkansaw’

Californy, Colorad’, Connecticutt…

And here we go again with the whole list — but faster this time!

(Yes, the song cleverly repeats the list at lightning speed at the end — pure genius.)

Breaking Down the Genius Structure

Let’s geek out for a minute on why this song is pure gold:

Section	What Happens	Why It’s Smart
Opening Verse	Introduces the idea of 50 great states	Sets a proud, happy tone right away
First Chorus	Lists states in perfect alphabetical order	Makes memorization logical and easy
Speed Round	Repeats the list super fast	Turns learning into an exciting challenge
Big Finish	Ends with every state name in one breath	Leaves you feeling like a geography rockstar

It’s like the song knew exactly how brains like to learn — slow, then faster, then total victory.

Modern Twists and Covers That Keep It Fresh

Guess what? The 50 states that rhyme lyrics are still getting makeovers in 2025!

• YouTubers add beatboxing and trap beats.
• Teachers create TikTok versions with dances.
• Animaniacs made their own hilarious “Nations of the World” (similar vibe, different lyrics).
• Some schools now rap the states — yes, really!

Every generation finds a way to make it their own, proving great songs never die; they just get cooler sunglasses.

How Teachers Use It Today (and Why It Still Works)

Walk into almost any third or fourth-grade classroom and you’ll probably hear it. Teachers swear by it because:

• It levels the playing field — every kid can succeed.
• ELL students (English Language Learners) pick up pronunciation fast.
• Shy kids feel brave singing with the whole class.
• It only takes about three minutes but delivers huge results.

One Texas teacher told me, “I’ve had kids who couldn’t remember five states in September naming all fifty by October — just because of that song.” That’s real classroom magic.

Fun Spin-Offs and State Song Cousins

Once America fell in love with the 50 states that rhyme lyrics, more songs followed:

• “Tour the States” by Renald Francoeur (awesome music video with landmarks)
• “The States and Capitals Song” (adds capitals into the mix)
• Wakko’s America from Animaniacs (capitals in one breath — insane!)
• Various hip-hop and country versions floating around Spotify

Each one proves geography doesn’t have to be dull as dishwater.

Why This Song Gives Us Hope for American Unity

Here’s the deeper thing that always gets me: for three glorious minutes, every kid from every background stands up and sings the exact same words — proudly listing every single state as equals. Red states, blue states, big states, tiny states — all “nifty.” In a country that sometimes feels divided, that’s a beautiful little reminder that we really are the United States.

Conclusion

After all these years, the 50 states that rhyme lyrics keep proving something simple but powerful: when you make learning joyful, people remember forever. It’s not fancy AI or expensive apps — just a clever tune written over half a century ago that still brings smiles to new generations.

So next time you effortlessly rattle off “North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania…” give a quiet high-five to Ray Charles (the Broadway one) and to every teacher who pressed play. Because of them, millions of us will never forget the fifty nifty United States.

And honestly? In a world that changes fast, that feels pretty darn optimistic.

There you have it — everything you never knew you needed to know about the 50 states that rhyme lyrics. Now go ahead, sing it out loud. I dare you not to smile.