The Flaming Lips [ tickets ]' song "Do You Realize??" will be named the Official State Rock Song of Oklahoma today (4/28), despite attempts to thwart the voters' decision to have the tune represent their state, according to a press release; as part of today's celebration, Governor Brad Henry also will name this day "Flaming Lips Day."

The song was chosen to represent the band's home state during a statewide Internet vote last year, but when a Senate joint resolution sought to codify that vote, it was narrowly defeated in the House.

Governor Brad Henry overrode the House, saying the song was clearly the people's choice and he intended to honor their vote. "For more than 20 years, Oklahoma's own Flaming Lips have produced creative, fun and provocative rock music," Henry said in a statement. "A truly iconic rock 'n' roll band, they are proud ambassadors of their home state."

Members of The Flaming Lips said they are proud to be from Oklahoma and want the public to understand that only a minority of the representatives voted against the law that would have solidified the song to represent the state. The band pointed out that "Do You Realize??" won more than 50 percent of the popular vote in the original poll, passed unanimously in the Senate and won over a majority of the Representatives in the House (48 voted to affirm the law; 51 votes were needed to pass the law). "Regardless of what the minority in the House of Representatives wish, The Flaming Lips remain proud ambassadors of the state," the band said in a statement.

The selection of the an official state rock song is part of a greater effort of the Oklahoma Historical Society to celebrate the state's rock-and-roll heritage. The state also will open an exhibit entitled "Another Hot Oklahoma Night" May 2 at the History Center. The exhibit will explore the rock-and-roll artists, radio stations, personalities, venues and fans that have called Oklahoma home.