The 50 Nifty United States Song: Full Lyrics, Alphabetical State List, And The Surprising History You Never Knew

For decades, the "Fifty Nifty United States" song has been an educational cornerstone, a catchy, unforgettable tune that helped generations of American students master the names of all fifty states in perfect alphabetical order. As of late 2025, this classic choral anthem remains one of the most effective and beloved mnemonic devices ever created for the elementary school classroom, proving that a simple, well-written tune is often the best way to conquer a daunting list of facts.

The song is more than just a list; it is a cultural touchstone. Whether you are trying to remember the lyrics for a school project, settle a long-standing debate about the order of the states, or simply take a nostalgic trip back to your childhood, the complete words to this iconic song are laid out below, along with the fascinating, often-misunderstood story of its composer.

The Complete "Fifty Nifty United States" Song Lyrics

The entire structure of the song is designed for memorization. It begins with a patriotic chorus, followed by the alphabetical recitation of all fifty states, and concludes with a powerful, climactic finish. This arrangement ensures that every state, from Alabama to Wyoming, is accounted for in a logical, easy-to-follow sequence.

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The Opening Chorus and Verses

The song's opening immediately sets the stage, connecting the fifty states to the nation's history and its flag.

Fifty Nifty United States,
From thirteen original colonies;
Fifty Nifty stars in the flag,
That billows so beautifully in the breeze.

Each individual state,
Contributes to the act,
And the names of all the states,
Are in this song, in fact.

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Shout 'em, scout 'em, tell all about 'em,
One by one, 'til we've given a day to ev'ry state in the U.S.A.

The Full Alphabetical List of States

The core of the song is the recitation of the fifty states, which are listed in strict alphabetical order. This is the part that many students remember most vividly, often accompanied by a rhythmic clap or stomp on the words "ev'ry state in the U.S.A."

• 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 Grand Finale

The song concludes by reiterating the central theme of unity and the sheer number of states, providing a final, satisfying punchline.

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Fifty Nifty United States,
Fifty Nifty United States,
They are the Fifty Nifty United States!

The Surprising History and Composer of the Song

The origin story of the "Fifty Nifty United States" song is often a source of confusion, primarily due to the name of its composer. The song's history is a fascinating case study in how a simple educational tool can become a lasting piece of Americana.

Who Wrote "Fifty Nifty United States"?

The song was written by a man named Ray Charles. However, it is critically important to note that this is not the legendary soul musician Ray Charles Robinson. The composer is Charles Raymond Offenberg, who professionally went by the name Ray Charles.

Ray Charles Offenberg was a prolific composer and musician. He served as the music director for a popular choral group known as "The Young Americans." He is also credited with composing the iconic theme song for the classic television sitcom, *Three's Company*.

The song was reportedly written in the early 1960s, a time when the United States had recently reached its full complement of fifty states with the additions of Alaska (1959) and Hawaii (1959). The need for a simple, effective tool to teach this new, longer list of states was clear, and Charles's alphabetical arrangement proved to be a stroke of genius.

Why the Song is the Ultimate Mnemonic Device

The success of "Fifty Nifty United States" lies in its masterful use of mnemonic techniques, making a challenging task (memorizing 50 names) feel effortless. It has achieved a level of topical authority in the educational space that few other songs can match.

The Power of Alphabetical Order and Rhythm

The key to the song's effectiveness is its strict adherence to alphabetical order. By organizing the states this way, the song eliminates any need to remember geographic location or date of statehood, simplifying the memorization process down to a single, predictable sequence: A-L-A-B-A-M-A, A-L-A-S-K-A, A-R-I-Z-O-N-A, and so on.

Furthermore, the rhythmic, sing-song nature of the tune taps into a powerful cognitive principle: music and rhythm activate different parts of the brain than simple recitation. This dual activation strengthens memory recall, which is why people who haven't heard the song in decades can often still recite the list perfectly.

A Surprising Fan in Pop Culture

The song's cultural impact is far-reaching. One notable fan who has publicly championed the song is *Hamilton* creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda, a MacArthur genius, once called "Fifty Nifty United States" his "favorite song from elementary school," highlighting its enduring and cross-generational appeal.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords Related to the Song

To fully understand the context and educational value of this classic, it helps to connect it to other relevant entities and concepts in American education and music.

• Mnemonic Devices: The song is a premier example of a musical mnemonic device, a technique used to aid memory.
• The Young Americans: The choral group where composer Ray Charles (Offenberg) served as music director.
• Three's Company Theme Song: Another famous composition by Ray Charles (Offenberg).
• Alphabetical Order: The structural foundation of the state list.
• US State Capitals: A common follow-up educational topic to the 50 states.
• Thirteen Original Colonies: Mentioned in the opening chorus, providing historical context.
• Patriotic Songs: The genre the song falls under, alongside anthems like "America the Beautiful" and "The Star-Spangled Banner."
• Elementary School Curriculum: The primary setting where the song is taught.
• Alaska and Hawaii (1959): The last two states admitted, necessitating a new, complete list song.
• Social Studies: The subject area where the song is most often used.
• Rote Memorization: The learning technique the song simplifies.
• Statehood Dates: A related educational topic.
• Flag of the United States: Referenced in the chorus.
• Ray Charles Offenberg: The composer's full name.
• Lin-Manuel Miranda: A famous fan of the song.

In conclusion, the "Fifty Nifty United States" song is a timeless, perfectly constructed educational tool. Its simple chorus, powerful rhythm, and brilliant use of alphabetical order have cemented its place in the American classroom. While the identity of its composer, Ray Charles Offenberg, may often be confused, the impact of his catchy, informational anthem is undeniable and continues to resonate with students and former students across the nation today.