As one man dreams on, New Jersey weighs an official state song |
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newsday.com article
TRENTON, N.J. - Red Mascara has a dream.
He's been close to it. Again and again, again and again, again and again _ and again.
Seven times his song, "I'm from New Jersey," written in 1960, has been approved by legislators to become the official New Jersey song, but it's never made it into law, leaving New Jersey the only state without an official ditty.
Now 85, Mascara _ a frequent presence at the New Jersey Statehouse, where he continues lobbying lawmakers and doles out candy to make friends _ is worried his 47-year-old dream is slipping away.
"Please do it while I'm living," said Mascara, of Phillipsburg. "Let me experience the pleasure."
Besides Mascara's age and persistence, a state senator has proposed New Jersey adopt the hit Bon Jovi song, "Who Says You Can't Go Home," as its official song. Jon Bon Jovi is from Sayreville.
"That song, it brings tears to my eyes," said Sen. Raymond Lesniak. "The guy's been all around the world and he picks New Jersey to hang his hat."
Like all states, New Jersey has its symbols.
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