The Flaming Lips track ‘Do You Realize?’ is to be adopted as the official rock song of the state of Oklahoma.

But the decision has been criticised by a local politician, who said he was recently offended by the band’s bassist Michael Ivins.

Republican representative Corey Holland claimed the bassist had worn a t-shirt with the communist hammer and sickle on during a visit to state offices last month.

But despite his opposition, Governor Brad Henry said he will sign an executive order to endorse the song, which won an online vote.

Holland’s fellow Republican representative Mike Reynolds had also lodged a complaint about the track.

Speaking to Billboard, singer Wayne Coyne said the band hadn’t realised they were “battling against what we feel is like a backwards mentality here".

"It's really just a couple of these small-minded guys who are the most popular guys in their church and their little small towns," he said.

"For the governor to stand up and veto it and be on our side - it's such a great story in the end."

(by Jason Gregory)