“Roadrunner” should be the Bay State’s official rock song. The influential early-’70s proto-punk anthem, written by Natick native Jonathan Richman, centers around a nighttime drive past Stop & Shop, name-checks a range of state roads and towns, and repeats the refrain, “I’m in love with Massachusetts.”

“It is an unabashed valentine,” says Dorchester-based publicist and rock band manager Joyce Linehan, who proposed a bill to give “Roadrunner” official state honors, and found a lead sponsor in Democratic state Representative Marty Walsh. The movement quickly took off — earning a mention in Rolling Stone, and becoming a bipartisan effort as Republican Robert Hedlund signed on as Senate sponsor. Yet the effort has recently spawned a challenge: Two South Shore representatives filed a bill to give Aerosmith’s “Dream On” the honors, on the grounds that Aerosmith is Aerosmith and the Pilgrims once had dreams. But “Dream On” is depressing — read the lyrics — and has no local references.

Comments

Giermund

03/04/2013 06:27 AM

I've never heard Roadrunner.

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Entropic

03/04/2013 07:23 AM

Then by all means, go listen. It's available all over the place. A wonderful song that is indeed a Valentine to Massachusetts. A perfect rock song for the state:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgRYncR1Nog

Unlike Dream On, a fun rock song with nonsensical lyrics that have nothing to do with the state.

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richstan

03/04/2013 11:22 AM

I'm glad there's no other pressing issues on the plate. I was beginning to worry about the pending largest income tax hike in state history. I guess that's not going to happen. After all, would they be debating something as foolish as a state song with a huge tax hike still in the works?

pvalen

03/04/2013 11:43 AM

"Dirty Water?"-Standells

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This comment has been removed.