Fight Song History
School fight songs are songs that show the pride and spirit of a school, especially in sports. They started in the late 1800s and early 1900s in the United States, as college football was gaining popularity, but are celebrated around the world today. Many schools created songs to cheer their teams; often using tunes from popular songs or military marches. Some famous school fight songs are Michigan's "The Victors" (1898). Yale's "Boola Boola" (1901), and Notre Dame's "Victory March" (1920).
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Fight songs grew in popularity with help from the radio and records, which let more people hear them and learn the words. School fight songs became part of the American culture and identity, as they showed the values and traditions of different places and schools. Some school fight songs also mentioned history, rivals, or mascots, like Oklahoma's "Boomer Sooner" (1905), Navy's "Anchors Aweigh" (1906), and Texas A&M's "Aggie War Hymn" (1918).
What are some of the most popular fight songs?
University of Michigan
"Hail to the Victors" (1898), the fight song of the University of Michigan and its Michigan Marching Band, is one of the oldest and most famous college fight songs in the country, and has been described as the "best college fight song ever written" by former president Gerald Ford, who was a Michigan alumnus.
Yale University
"Boola Boola" (1900), the fight song of Yale University and its Yale Bands. It is one of the oldest college fight songs in the country, and was originally composed as a football cheer by Allan M. Hirsh, a student at the Sheffield Scientific School. The song has been adopted by many other schools and organizations, such as the University of Oklahoma, which uses the same melody for its "Boomer Sooner".
University of Texas
"The Eyes of Texas" (1903), the fight song of the University of Texas and its Longhorn Band. It is based on the tune of "I've Been Working on the Railroad", and is often sung or played at various events and occasions involving the university or the state of Texas. It is also considered a symbol of Texas pride and unity, and has been performed by several notable figures such as John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Lady Gaga.
University of Wisconsin
"On Wisconsin!" (1909), the fight song of the University of Wisconsin and its Wisconsin Marching Band. It is one of the oldest and most widely adopted college fight songs in the country, and has been used by several other schools and even professional teams. It is also the official state song of Wisconsin, and has been praised by composer John Philip Sousa as "the finest of college marching songs".
University of Southern California
"Fight On" (1922), the fight song of the University of Southern California and its USC Trojan Marching Band. It is one of the most well-known and frequently played college fight songs in the country, and has been adopted by several high schools and other organizations. It is also associated with the Olympic Games, as it was composed by a USC student who was inspired by watching the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium.
University of Nebraska
"There Is No Place Like Nebraska" (1924), the fight song of the University of Nebraska and its Cornhusker Marching Band. It is also known as "Dear Old Nebraska U", and is usually played after every touchdown or victory by the Cornhuskers. It is one of the most recognizable and beloved songs among Nebraska fans, and has been featured in several movies and TV shows.
University of Alabama
"Yea Alabama" (1926), the fight song of the University of Alabama and its Million Dollar Band, is often played at football games and other events. It includes a taunt against Auburn, Alabama's in-state rival, and references to other opponents.
What's the difference between a fight song and an alma mater?
A fight song is typically a rousing, upbeat anthem to elevate a team and its fans, while an alma mater is a more sentimental song that reflects emotions towards a school.
Fight Song
A fight song is usually upbeat, energetic, and meant to rally fans for a sporting event or competition. A fight song often mentions the school's name, mascot, colors, and may include words of challenge towards the opponents. A school fight song is typically performed by a marching band or a cheer squad.
Alma Mater
An alma mater is usually slower and more sentimental and is meant to express affection and gratitude for their school. An alma mater often refers to the school's history, traditions, values, or achievements, and may include words of praise or loyalty to the institution. An alma mater is typically sung by a choir or a soloist.