Residents of Oklahoma can rest easy in the knowledge that Governor Brad Henry has confirmed the Flaming Lips' 'Do You Realize??' as the state's official rock song.
Last month, the Lips song went up against tracks like Elvis Presley's 'Heartbreak Hotel' (co-written by Oklahoma's Mae Boren Axton), Wanda Jackson's 'Let's Have a Party' and the All-American Rejects' 'Move Along', in a contest 21,000 people voted in. Despite winning the popular vote, the House of Representatives did not approve of the choice and planned to pick another song.
Governor Henry however, has overruled the House's decision. In a press release he said, "For more than 20 years, Oklahoma's own Flaming Lips have produced creative, fun and provocative rock music. The music of the Flaming Lips has earned Grammys, glowing critical acclaim and fans all over the world. A truly iconic rock'n'roll band, they are proud ambassadors of their home state. They were clearly the people's choice, and I intend to honour that vote."
The honour of "official state song" is in association with the Oklahoma History Center's Another Hot Oklahoma Night exhibition. Meanwhile, you can catch the Flaming Lips when they arrive for Splendour in the Grass, complete with giant hands and bucket loads of confetti.
