The Ultimate Guide To The 50 States Song Lyrics: Why 'Fifty Nifty' Still Dominates In 2025

The "50 States Song" is more than just a catchy tune; it is a foundational piece of American elementary education, a powerful mnemonic device that has helped generations of students master the geography of the United States. In a world constantly updated with new pop hits and viral trends, it is remarkable that the classic version of this song—specifically "Fifty Nifty United States"—continues its reign as the definitive and most effective method for learning the names of all fifty states in alphabetical order. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, this simple, patriotic melody remains an essential tool in classrooms and homes across the country. The enduring popularity of the "Fifty Nifty United States" song is a testament to the power of music in memorization. Its simple structure and clear, alphabetical progression transform a daunting list of fifty names into an easily digestible and unforgettable piece of Americana. Whether you are a parent teaching your child, a student preparing for a geography test, or simply an adult trying to recall the full list, the lyrics of this classic song are the key to unlocking the entire roster of U.S. states.

The Classic: Full Lyrics to 'Fifty Nifty United States'

The most famous and widely recognized version of the 50 states song is "Fifty Nifty United States," composed by Ray Charles (the songwriter, not the famous soul musician). This classic educational anthem was originally published in the 1960s as part of the *Silver Burdett Making Music* series and is structured to teach the states in perfect alphabetical order, making it an invaluable tool for geography lessons.

The Introductory Verse and Chorus

The song begins with a patriotic introduction that sets the stage for the upcoming list, reminding listeners of the nation's origins and symbols.

Fifty Nifty United States from thirteen original colonies,
Fifty Nifty stars in the flag that billows so beautifully in the breeze.
Fifty Nifty United States, shout 'em, scout 'em, tell all about 'em,
One by one 'til we've given a day to ev'ry State in the USA.

The Complete Alphabetical List of All 50 States

The core of the song is the rapid-fire, alphabetical listing of all fifty states. This sequence is designed for maximum memorization, grouping the states by their starting letter.

• Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
• Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada,
• New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,
• South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

The Concluding Chorus

The song concludes by reiterating the theme of unity and the successful completion of the list.

Fifty Nifty United States, shout 'em, scout 'em, tell all about 'em,
One by one 'til we've given a day to ev'ry State in the USA.

The Composer's Story: Who Wrote 'Fifty Nifty United States'?

A common point of confusion and curiosity surrounds the authorship of this iconic track. It is crucial to clarify that the composer is not the legendary blind pianist, but a different, equally talented individual in the world of music education and television.

The Real Ray Charles: The Songwriter

The composer of "Fifty Nifty United States" is Ray Charles (born 1918), a prolific songwriter and composer best known for his work in television. His career spanned decades, contributing to numerous popular shows and educational materials.

• Full Name: Ray Charles (often confused with Ray Charles Robinson).
• Best Known For: "Fifty Nifty United States."
• Other Notable Work: He also composed the iconic theme song for the hit television sitcom *Three's Company*.
• Educational Impact: His work, particularly the 50 states song, has been a staple in American elementary school music programs since its inclusion in the *Silver Burdett Making Music* textbook series.

The song’s success lies in its simple, march-like melody, which perfectly complements the task of reciting the long list of states. This structure is a classic example of a mnemonic device, a learning technique that aids information retention by linking it to a memorable pattern, in this case, music and rhythm.

Modern Alternatives: The States That Rhyme and Rap

While "Fifty Nifty United States" is the gold standard, the digital age has produced several popular alternatives that cater to different learning styles, proving that the need for a musical geography aid is timeless.

1. The '50 States That Rhyme' Song

A popular alternative, often found in modern educational videos by creators like Dr. Jean Feldman or through various homeschooling resources, is "The Fifty States that Rhyme Song." This version sacrifices alphabetical order for rhyming pairs and clever groupings, which some students find easier to recall.

The structure often pairs states together based on sound or geographical proximity, creating a different kind of memory hook. For example, the song might group "Alabama and Alaska" or "New Hampshire and New Jersey," using a different melodic approach than the strictly ordered classic.

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2. The Modern Rap and Hip-Hop Versions

The most recent update to the 50 states song genre is the emergence of rap and hip-hop versions. These contemporary takes, often seen on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, use a faster tempo and a modern beat to appeal to younger audiences. These versions prioritize rhythm and flow, making the recitation of names feel less like a lesson and more like a performance, ensuring the educational content stays current and engaging in the 2020s.

Topical Authority: The Educational Power of Music

The reason the 50 states song, in all its iterations, remains a powerful educational tool is rooted in cognitive science. Incorporating music into learning, a technique known as musical mnemonics, significantly boosts memory recall.

Key Benefits for Students:

• Enhanced Memorization: The rhythm and melody act as powerful cues, making it easier to retrieve the full list of states, even decades later.
• Sequential Learning: The alphabetical order in "Fifty Nifty" is a crucial secondary lesson, reinforcing the concept of alphabetical sequencing.
• Geography and Identity: Singing the song cultivates a sense of national identity and a fundamental understanding of U.S. geography, a key component of social studies.
• Auditory Processing: For auditory learners, the song is the ideal method, bypassing the need for rote visual memorization.

Essential Entities Related to the 50 States Song:

To fully master U.S. geography, the 50 states song serves as the foundation for learning other critical entities:

1. State Capitals (e.g., Montgomery, Juneau, Phoenix)
2. The Thirteen Original Colonies (Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island)
3. The American Flag (Fifty stars, thirteen stripes)
4. Mnemonic Devices and Memory Techniques
5. U.S. Territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, etc.)
6. The Continental United States
7. The Pacific States (Alaska, Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington)
8. The New England States (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut)
9. The Midwest Region
10. The Southern States
11. The Western States
12. The Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior)
13. The Mississippi River
14. The Appalachian Mountains
15. The Rocky Mountains

The "Fifty Nifty United States" song is a timeless piece of educational music that transcends generations. By providing the full, correct lyrics and understanding its powerful mnemonic structure, you gain a tool that will allow you to confidently list all fifty states in alphabetical order—a skill that, for millions of Americans, lasts a lifetime.