It’s official: Flaming Lips’ “Do You Realize??” inked as state rock song
From left, Flaming Lips members, from left, Steven Drozd (holding his adorable toddler), Kliph Scurlock, Wayne Coyne and Michael Ivins celebrate the signing of the executive order by Gov. Brad Henry (right) making the band’s “Do You Realize??” the official state rock song today at the Oklahoma History Center. (Photos by Chris Landsberger/The Oklahoman)
Wayne Coyne signs autographs for fans.
Gov. Henry holds up the executive order making “Do You Realize??” the official state rock song, while the Flaming Lips celebrate.
Gov. Brad Henry made it official today, signing an executive order making The Flaming Lips’ “Do You Realize??” the state rock song and ending a rather silly fracas that started last week in the House of Representatives.
As most of you have surely heard by now, several state House members managed to get the resolution making the Lips’ tune the official state rock song voted down. The reason: One representative didn’t like Lips frontman Wayne Coyne’s frequent use of the F-word, while another protested bassist Michael Ivins’ decision to wear a shirt with the hammer and sickle emblem of Communism to the Capitol last month.
In their ire, the representatives opted to override a public Internet vote for state rock song, which the Lips won by a 2-1 margin.
Gov. Henry quickly stepped in last week and vowed to issue an executive order giving “Do You Realize??” the state rock song title. He followed through today at a ceremony at the state Capitol, which was attended by more than 300 people.
My colleague George Lang went out to cover the ceremony and reported that the gov had high praise for the alt-rockers, the Lips’ fans didn’t get too rowdy, and the band members behaved themselves. Ivins wore a “Ghostbusters” shirt under a blazer – ’cause he ain’t afraid of no ghosts or of no easily riled legislators. Coyne made a concerted effort not to drop the F-bomb.
“I promised Scott (Booker), our manager, and everybody involved today that, despite my genuine excitement and enthusiasm, I would not use the ‘f-word,’” Coyne said after the signing. “I haven’t yet, have I? Sometimes it just jumps out.”
Read more about the big event over at George’s Staticblog by clicking here.
Below, see more great photos of today’s event from The Oklahoman‘s Chris Landsberger and enjoy the fun video for our wonderful, and now thankfully official, Oklahoma rock song.
Fans gather inside the Oklahoma History Center as The Flaming Lips and Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry arrive for the signing of the proclamation making the Flaming Lips song ‘ Do You Realize?’ Oklahoma’s official rock song.
Wayne Coyne and Gov. Brad Henry celebrate the big moment.
Gov. Brad Henry reacts as he is introduced to sign a proclamation making The Flaming Lips song ‘ Do You Realize??’ Oklahoma’s official rock song today at the Oklahoma History Center.
Rep. Joe Dorman, D-Rush Springs, the House sponsor of last week’s failed resolution, smiles with Wayne Coyne.
-BAM
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Comments
Today, well, yesterday now, was so great. It was a privilege to be there – the guys in the band could not have been more gracious, it was just a great atmosphere… a great day! Congratulations to the Flaming Lips – I’m so glad the whole country and the world is getting to see what we Oklahomans have always known – that this is a great state filled with immensely talented, good people! Thanks to the band for hanging out after and patiently listening to our stories, taking pictures and (well, I got some advice from Mr.Coyne which I appreciate!)
Thanks to everyone who made this happen! It was really special. 
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