Hail to Pitt
Encyclopedia
"Hail to Pitt" is the most traditional fight song
of the University of Pittsburgh
, which is commonly referred to as Pitt. The saying "Hail to Pitt!" is also the most traditional and commonly used slogan of the University of Pittsburgh
and its athletics teams. The slogan is frequently used in promotional material, printed on merchandise and souvenirs. It was also the title of a 1982 history of Pitt athletics by author Jim O'Brien. The slogan is often used among alumni as a statement of affiliation, including as a closing signature in conversation or correspondence between alumni, and is sometime abbreviated as "HTP" or "H2P".
to its current location in the Oakland
section of Pittsburgh. At the time of this relocation, the university, then known as the Western University of Pennsylvania, also obtained an alteration to its charter in order to change its name to the University of Pittsburgh. These changes also corresponded with the celebration of the City of Pittsburgh's sesquicentennial and a rise in prominence of the university's athletic programs, exemplified by the undefeated and unscored upon football team of 1910, and led to crescendo and pride and optimism throughout the university. In this atmosphere, an abundance of music and chants extolling the newly renamed university appeared throughout student productions and publications. While some have faded into obscurity, among the most popular and pervasive of music and slogans, including "Hail to Pitt", the "Victory Song
", and the "Alma Mater
", were derived from the efforts of these students who were among the first to have "University of Pittsburgh" printed on their diplomas.
. Lyrics were written by George M. Kirk (Col.
1913) and music by Lester Milton Taylor (Eng.
1912), both of whom were members of the Beta Theta chapter of Sigma Chi
at Pitt. The first performance of this song was in a production of the Cap and Gown Club, a student musical theatre company, titled Here and There in the spring of 1910. Kirk himself sung the performance of his song during this production which took place in the Carnegie Music Hall, in what was the first school year that the university had relocated to the Oakland
section of Pittsburgh and the second academic year after the university changed its name from the Western University of Pennsylvania. The lyrics subsequently appeared, along with other fight songs, prior to the 1910 football season in the First Annual Football Year Book and the words and music were printed by Volkwein's Music. Kirk, who served as a Pitt cheerleader for three years, helped push for the song's use as the Pitt fight song.
used it when airing the first football game in 1911.
One of the first professional recordings of "Hail to Pitt", along with the university's "Alma Mater", was by the Criterion Quartet on Gennett Records
in 1920 In 1925 "Hail to Pitt" was also one of seven fight songs comprising a compilation song entitled "Collegiate Melody" that became a huge hit for Fred Waring & the Pennsylvanians. The performance of "Hail to Pitt" appeared in Part 1 (Side A) of the 1932 Victor Records release of "Collegiate Melody", which remains the Waring's Pennsylvanians best known song.
"Hail to Pitt" was also performed by Tommy Dorsey
as part of his broadcast from Meadowbrook Ballroom in Cedar Grove, New Jersey
on February 24, 1940 that featured Frank Sinatra
among others. Dorsey's performance of "Hail to Pitt" appears on original recordings that were released from that broadcast, and is among the select songs chosen to appear on a CD rerelease entitled Tommy Dorsey plays Sweet and Hot. Also during the 1940s, Joseph Wood
conducted a recording of a collection of songs entitled Songs of the University of Pittsburgh that featured Walter Scheff, Ralph Nyland, and Michael Stewart
. Released on two 78-rpm discs by Republic records, the album featured "Hail to Pitt", "Pitt Alma Mater", "The Panther", and the "Pitt Victory Song".
"Hail to Pitt" was also one of only 16 college songs performed and featured on a 1948 recording by Jan Garber and His Orchestra
released as Collegiate Melodies on Capital Records in both a 10-inch LP
and a 45 rpm EP
set in 1950, and re-released in 1955 as a 12-inch album. Garber's album is considered one of the best recorded collections of fight songs in existence.
During the 1952-1953 school year, the Pitt Band and the Pitt Men's Glee Club collaborated to release a compilation songs entitled Songs of Pitt on RCA Victor Records. Soon after that, on October 7, 1953, the Vaughn Monroe and the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra
performed "Hail to Pitt" as part of a Camel Caravan
taping that was broadcast on CBS Radio Network
on October 26, 1953.
The sheet music for "Hail to Pitt" has undergone various publications and has appeared in a multiple music compilations including a collection entitled Songs of the University of Pittsburgh in 1929 by the Thornton W. Allen Company of New York, as well as more recently in Studwell and Schueneman's College Fight Songs published in 1998.
. Today, besides the common performance of "Hail to Pitt" and other Pitt songs by the Pitt Band, Glee Club, and other university musical groups, "Hail to Pitt" is often heard in radio and television broadcasts, regional advertising, in various electronic merchandise, and is available for purchase in a variety of formats including compact discs, MP3
s, and ringtones.
The lyrics below represent the current lyrics to "Hail to Pitt" ascribed to by the Pitt Band. Note that "U-N-I" are sung as three distinct letters of the alphabet, not to be confused with the phrase "you and I." The Pitt Men's Glee Club sings Hail to Pitt with the more traditional "Uni" (see Traditional Hail to Pitt Lyrics below).
The lyrics stating "alleghenee, genec, genac, genac" reference the "Official University Yell" by 1891 graduate W. A. Johnston. The Yell itself is referencing the Allegheny Mountains
of Western Pennsylvania
. "Hail to Pitt" is believed to be the only college song to contain a college yell officially in its chorus. The yell was selected to be the "Official University Yell" by an 1889 committee which also selected the official school colors of blue and gold. One of the first printed appearances of the "Official University Yell" occurred in an 1890 issue of the University Courant, a literary society magazine, which was also the first official year of the university's football team
. The existence of the inclusion of this cheer in "Hail to Pitt" represents one of the few remaining student traditions still in widespread practice today that existed prior to the turn of the twentieth century and the 1908 name change.
Down in Smokytown, in Pennsylvania,
In Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
We've a University we're all proud of,
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh.
She stands a mighty fortress 'neath her colors bright,
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
When forth she goes to battle 'gainst a stubborn foe
This song will upward go:
Hail to Pitt, hail to Pitt every loyal son!
Hail to Pitt, hail to Pitt 'til the victory is won!
The gold and blue shall wave forever
On high through fair and stormy weather;
We'll sing her praises far and wide
Until the end of time!
Hooperay, hooperay for dear old U-N-I;
We'll give a grand old alleghenee, genac, genac, genac
We'll wave and cheer for many a year
And sing our songs out loud and clear
For our university.
(repeat Chorus)
Often during sporting events, pep rallies, and various alumni and student functions, only the chorus is frequently played by the Pitt Band. It is usually paired with the other two widely performed fight songs of the University: the Pitt Victory Song
and "The Panther" song.
A change in the lyrics was instituted on October 1, 1954, in an effort to support the city's "smoke control program" by eliminating the use of the term "smokeytown". The traditional first line:
"Down in Smokeytown in Pennsylvania, in Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh"
was eliminated and replaced with the following lyric:
"Where the Allegheny meets the Ohio, in Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh".
The replacement verse was chosen during a student congress sponsored contest. The winning submission was written by Ronald Amalong, who received a Pitt blazer
for his efforts. The lyric was first sung by members of the Pitt Men's Glee Club during a ceremony attended by the city's mayor, David L. Lawrence
, on the Bigelow Boulevard porch of the Cathedral of Learning
during a pep rally for that season's football home opener. However, today the Pitt Band today still refers to the original lyrics on its website.
The lyrics below represent original traditional lyrics going back to but going back to a printing of the 1910 Annual Football Year Book and the 1916 edition of The Owl student yearbook. Some printings of the lyrics circa 1938 also appeared with a more generic lyric of "Hoop-hurray! Hoop-hurray for University" in the chorus.
The first stanza focuses on the university's place in the City of Pittsburgh while the second stanza specifically mentions and focuses on football. This reinforces the attention on, and popularity of, the university's football team at the time of its writing. The season in which "Hail to Pitt" was written corresponded with the undefeated Pitt football team coach by Joseph H. Thompson
that outscored its opponents 282-0.
Down in Smokytown, in Pennsylvania,
In Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
We have a University we're all proud of,
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
She stand a mighty fortress 'neath her colors bright,
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
When forth she goes to battle 'gainst a stubborn foe
This song will upward go:
CHORUS:
Hail to Pitt! Hail to Pitt! every loyal son,
Hail to Pitt! Hail to Pitt! 'til the victory is won,
The Gold and Blue shall wave forever
On high, through fair and stormy weather,
We'll sing her praises far and wide
Until the end of time;
Hoop-hurray! Hoop-hurray for dear old Uni,
Give her a grand old Alleghenee-genac-genac-genac
We'll wave and cheer for many a year
And sing her songs out loud and clear,
For our University.
When the grand old days of football come around,
In Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
Her rooters at the field will make an awful sound,
For Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
Down across the field her mighty line moves on,
For Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
They'll sweep the foe before them 'til the goal is won
Then you'll hear them shout:
Alle-genee-genac-genac,
Alle-genee-genac-genac,
Hoorah-Hoorah,
Pitt!
Prior to change of the university's name in 1908 from Western University of Pennsylvania to the University of Pittsburgh, the cheer appeared in the October 1890 edition of the University Courant this way:
Alleghenee, genack, genack !
Alleghenee, genack, genack !
Hoorah ! Hoorah ! Wup !
" is also commonly played with "Hail to Pitt". These three songs typically form the primary montage of Pitt songs that is heard at university events and Pitt athletic contests. The University of Pittsburgh's "Alma Mater
" will also commonly be played, typically to open or close these same events. The melodies of these four songs, if not the lyrics, are familiar to most fans, faculty, staff, and alumni of the university and, having been ingrained into the school's culture over the years, have become the primary musical tradition at Pitt.
1915), who was president of Men's Glee Club while at Pitt, and later served in the medical service of World War I
. The music was written by Clarence S. Harris (Dent.
1916). One of the earlier printings of the "The Panther" was with a collection entitled Songs of the University of Pittsburgh in 1929 by the Thornton W. Allen Company of New York. During the 1940s, Joseph Wood
conducted a recording of a collection of songs entitled Songs of the University of Pittsburgh that featured Walter Scheff, Ralph Nyland, and Michael Stewart
. Released on two 78-rpm discs by Republic records, the album featured the "The Panther", as well as "Hail to Pitt", the "Victory Song", and the "Alma Mater". "The Panther" also appears with "Hail to Pitt" on Gameday Faves: Classic College Fight Songs Volume 10.
Currently lyrics used in the "Panther Song" as currently taught to incoming Pitt Band freshmen are as follows:
Old Pittsburgh's Glory
Won't be trampled down today by any foe, foe, foe!
For Pittsburgh's Glory,
We'll fight you square, we'll play you fair at any game you know.
And when the sun sets,
You'll hear our good old dong of victory...
Oh, when the Panther screams, you know the battle's just begun —
And if you don't look out, he'll surely get you on the run
For Pittsburgh's Glory,
And the honor of our University!
Lyrics ascribed to the song from a 1927 Thornton W. Allen printing of an Intercollegiate Song Book vary slightly:
Pittsburgh's glory
won't be trampled down today by any foe,
For Pittsburgh's glory we'll fight you square, we'll play you fair, at any game you know,
And 'ere the sun sets
you'll hear our good old song of victory.
Oh, if the Panther screams it means a battle just begun,
And if you don't watch out he'll get you on the run,
For Pittsburgh's glory,
And the honor of our University.
of the University of Pittsburgh is set to the tune of Joseph Haydn's
1797 anthem for the Austrian Emperor and since 1922 has served as the German National Anthem.
Dear Old Pittsburgh, dear Old Pittsburgh,
Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight!
All together we will ever
Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight!
Let the grizzly Panther roar
while the boys pile up the score
For dear old Pittsburgh, dear old Pittsburgh,
Fight, Fight, Fight
Let the grizzly Panther roar
while the boys pile up the score
For dear old Pittsburgh, dear old Pittsburgh,
Fight, Fight, Fight
Come, brothers, sing the old song again,
Our paean to Alma Mater,
We who have followed Her beacon light
And marched 'neath Her banner fair,
Sing of Her fame in the days gone by
And the glory the years have brought Her;
Her colors we wear, Her honors we share,
Then sing till the winds reply;
Here's to our University,
Here's to Her Gold and Blue,
Here's to Alumni and Faculty,
Here's to Her Students true,
Here's to Her fame in years to come,
Bright may Her laurels be,
Here's to Old Pittsburgh the glorious,
Here's to old U. of P.
Our Old Pittsburgh, dear Old Pittsburgh,
With love that never tires
Thy loyal sons in homage stand
About Thine altar fires;
Though in the strife of after life
Far from Thy shrine we be,
Our loyal hearts will ever burn
With love, dear Pitt, for Thee,
Our loyal hearts will ever burn
With love, dear Pitt, for Thee.
1910) with music by Harriette Slattery (Western Pennsylvania Institution for the Blind, 1904).
Now's the time to make a noise and shout for all you're worth,
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh, Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
Isn't it the greatest place that's anywhere on earth?
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh, Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
Wave your pennants, spread your banners, let our ribbons stream,
Fellows, throw your hats in air, and all you Co-eds, scream,
Show the world what spirit is for city, school and team,
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh; Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
What's the use of faculty unless to sing and shout,
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh, Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
Soon we'll make the nation wonder what it's all about,
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh, Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
Let the quaking hills resound, and pierce our smoky sky,
Let Ohio's parent waters tremble at the cry,
Then will all the citizens to Uni's cheer reply,
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh; Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
Whenever, wherever, Pitt men get together—
Green Freshmen or gray-bearded Grads,
Grave Jurists of years or gay young Engineers,
Staid Doctors or frolicsome Lads,
The Dentists, the Teachers, the Bankers, the Preachers,
And prominent Men of the Day—
Whenever, wherever, Pitt men get together,
Someone is then sure to say:
REFRAIN.
Let's give, let's give, let's give Old Alleghenee!
All together, in Uni's praise,
Grand old yell of our college days!
Here's to — — The Gold and Blue,
Here's to the Varsitee!
A warm hand-shake for old sake's sake,
Then, hip! hip! Alleghenee;
(Spoken) . . . . . . . . . .
Alle-genee-genac-genac,
Alle-genee-genac-genac,
Hoorah-Hoorah-Pitt,
That's Old Alleghenee,
Whenever, wherever, Pitt men get together,
To honor the School they revere,
Their voices ring strong in the old college song,
And boom out the old college cheer;
'Til raw throats rebelling prevent further yelling,
And music in growls dies away;
Yet vocal affliction to Pitt's no restriction,
And some one is then sure to say:
REFRAIN.
Let's give, let's give, let's give the 'Varsity Clap,
Pittsburgh's slogan in every land—
Give Old Alleghenee by hand;
One-two-three — — U. of P.
Now with spirit and snap,
Let's give the gattling, smashing rattling,
Good old 'Varsity Clap:
(The Hand Clap) . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
That's the Varsity Clap.
For we'll fight, fight, fight for Pittsburgh,
As the team comes down the field;
For we'll fight, fight, fight for Pittsburgh,
For the team will never yield;
For we'll fight, fight, fight for Pittsburgh,
Can't you hear those rooters roar,
Touchdown, Touchdown,
Pittsburgh,
As they're rolling up the score.
O—O—O—O,
Eat 'em up, Pitt,
Eat 'em up, Pitt,
We want a touchdown,
Eat 'em up, Pitt,
Eat 'em up, Pitt,
One more touchdown.
Gold and Blue, Gold and Blue,
Show them now what you can do,
We're with you, here with you,
Pull for Victory,
Five more yards, three more yards,
One more yard, touchdown,
Hoop-it-up, Hoop-it-up, Hoop-it-up Boys!
My Gold and Blue.
Rise Brothers of Pitt, Alma Mater is calling,
Leap strong in her strength to the fray,
By the love of "Old Uni," whose colors we wear,
We'll conquer the foemen to-day;
We've faith in you boys, and whatever betides,
To Pitt and our team we'll be true,
On, boys, to the fray, while the foe in dismay,
Hear us cheer for the Gold and the Blue.
CHORUS.
E-Yip-I-Ad-dy-I-Ay-I-Ay!
E-Yip-I-Ad-dy-I-Ay!
Alma Mater depends on you,
Hit the line for the Gold and the Blue;
E-Yip-I-Ad-dy-I-Ay-I-Ay!
Old Pittsburgh conquers to day!
Just roll up the score and we'll yell evermore,
E-Yip-I-Ad-dy-I-Ay!
was sung by the Pitt Men's Glee Club when the University was still called the Western University of Pennsylvania. The words were composed by G.H. Barbour, class of 1887. The lyrics were presented in the Western University Courant as follows:
Rally round your colors, lads, uplift the Gold and Blue;
Let the population know those tints are dear to you;
Sound the dear old college yell, and pierce the heavens through,
As we go marching through Uni.
Let the Freshman shout again, the Sophomore rejoice,
Let the Junior pound his cane, the Senior make a noise,
Let the graduates all sing, with one united voice,
As we go marching through Uni.
Let the people join to swell the volume of the song,
Ladies whom we love so well fill out the mighty throng,
Let the wandering winds impel the minstrelsy along,
As we go marching through Uni.
CHORUS:
Rally round your colors, lads, and sing the jubilee,
Fight song
A fight song is primarily an American and Canadian sports term, referring to a song associated with a team. In both professional and amateur sports, fight songs are a popular way for fans to cheer for their team...
of the University of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of...
, which is commonly referred to as Pitt. The saying "Hail to Pitt!" is also the most traditional and commonly used slogan of the University of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of...
and its athletics teams. The slogan is frequently used in promotional material, printed on merchandise and souvenirs. It was also the title of a 1982 history of Pitt athletics by author Jim O'Brien. The slogan is often used among alumni as a statement of affiliation, including as a closing signature in conversation or correspondence between alumni, and is sometime abbreviated as "HTP" or "H2P".
History
The musical pageantry of the University of Pittsburgh began mostly under the initiative of various students and musical groups in the early twentieth century. It was during this period, around 1908, that the University began the process of moving from what is now Pittsburgh's North SidePerry North (Pittsburgh)
Perry North is a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA's north city area. It lies within zip codes 15212 and 15214, and has representation on Pittsburgh City Council by the council member for District 1...
to its current location in the Oakland
Oakland (Pittsburgh)
Oakland is the academic, cultural, and healthcare center of Pittsburgh and is Pennsylvania's third largest "Downtown". Only Center City Philadelphia and Downtown Pittsburgh can claim more economic and social activity than Oakland...
section of Pittsburgh. At the time of this relocation, the university, then known as the Western University of Pennsylvania, also obtained an alteration to its charter in order to change its name to the University of Pittsburgh. These changes also corresponded with the celebration of the City of Pittsburgh's sesquicentennial and a rise in prominence of the university's athletic programs, exemplified by the undefeated and unscored upon football team of 1910, and led to crescendo and pride and optimism throughout the university. In this atmosphere, an abundance of music and chants extolling the newly renamed university appeared throughout student productions and publications. While some have faded into obscurity, among the most popular and pervasive of music and slogans, including "Hail to Pitt", the "Victory Song
Pitt Victory Song
The Pitt Victory Song, one of the most popular and widely used fight songs of the University of Pittsburgh, is often played in conjunction with Hail to Pitt and the Panther Song. Few people know the rarely heard first portion of the song, before the chorus. Lyrics were by G. Norman Reis and...
", and the "Alma Mater
University of Pittsburgh Alma Mater
The Alma mater of the University of Pittsburgh was adopted soon after the University changed its name in 1908 from the Western University of Pennsylvania to its current moniker. Lyrics were written by George M. P. Baird, class of 1909 and were set to the tune of what was then the Austrian National...
", were derived from the efforts of these students who were among the first to have "University of Pittsburgh" printed on their diplomas.
Origin of "Hail to Pitt"
"Hail to Pitt" is the most traditional of various fight songs of the University of PittsburghUniversity of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of...
. Lyrics were written by George M. Kirk (Col.
University of Pittsburgh School of Arts and Sciences
The Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences is one of the 17 schools and colleges of University of Pittsburgh located in Pittsburgh, PA...
1913) and music by Lester Milton Taylor (Eng.
Swanson School of Engineering
The Swanson School of Engineering is the engineering school of the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1846, The Swanson School of Engineering is the second or third oldest in the United States.- History :...
1912), both of whom were members of the Beta Theta chapter of Sigma Chi
Sigma Chi
Sigma Chi is the largest and one of the oldest college Greek-letter secret and social fraternities in North America with 244 active chapters and more than . Sigma Chi was founded on June 28, 1855 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio when members split from Delta Kappa Epsilon...
at Pitt. The first performance of this song was in a production of the Cap and Gown Club, a student musical theatre company, titled Here and There in the spring of 1910. Kirk himself sung the performance of his song during this production which took place in the Carnegie Music Hall, in what was the first school year that the university had relocated to the Oakland
Oakland (Pittsburgh)
Oakland is the academic, cultural, and healthcare center of Pittsburgh and is Pennsylvania's third largest "Downtown". Only Center City Philadelphia and Downtown Pittsburgh can claim more economic and social activity than Oakland...
section of Pittsburgh and the second academic year after the university changed its name from the Western University of Pennsylvania. The lyrics subsequently appeared, along with other fight songs, prior to the 1910 football season in the First Annual Football Year Book and the words and music were printed by Volkwein's Music. Kirk, who served as a Pitt cheerleader for three years, helped push for the song's use as the Pitt fight song.
Historic performances, recordings, and publication
"Hail to Pitt" has been heard many times on local and national radio and television broadcasts and has been professional recorded several times throughout history by renown musicians. It is believed that "Hail to Pitt" was the first college song to be broadcast on the radio when KDKAKDKA (AM)
KDKA is a radio station licensed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Created by the Westinghouse Electric Corporation on November 2, 1920, it is one of the world's first modern radio stations , a distinction that has also been challenged by other stations, although it has claimed to be the first in...
used it when airing the first football game in 1911.
One of the first professional recordings of "Hail to Pitt", along with the university's "Alma Mater", was by the Criterion Quartet on Gennett Records
Gennett Records
Gennett was a United States based record label which flourished in the 1920s.-Label history:Gennett records was founded in Richmond, Indiana by the Starr Piano Company, and released its first records in October 1917. The company took its name from its top managers: Harry, Fred and Clarence Gennett....
in 1920 In 1925 "Hail to Pitt" was also one of seven fight songs comprising a compilation song entitled "Collegiate Melody" that became a huge hit for Fred Waring & the Pennsylvanians. The performance of "Hail to Pitt" appeared in Part 1 (Side A) of the 1932 Victor Records release of "Collegiate Melody", which remains the Waring's Pennsylvanians best known song.
"Hail to Pitt" was also performed by Tommy Dorsey
Tommy Dorsey
Thomas Francis "Tommy" Dorsey, Jr. was an American jazz trombonist, trumpeter, composer, and bandleader of the Big Band era. He was known as "The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing", due to his smooth-toned trombone playing. He was the younger brother of bandleader Jimmy Dorsey...
as part of his broadcast from Meadowbrook Ballroom in Cedar Grove, New Jersey
Cedar Grove, New Jersey
-Climate:Cedar Grove has a humid subtropical climate, with warm/hot humid summers and cool/cold winters. The climate is slightly colder overall during the summer than in New York City because there is no urban heat island effect....
on February 24, 1940 that featured Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra
Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra was an American singer and actor.Beginning his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra became an unprecedentedly successful solo artist in the early to mid-1940s, after being signed to Columbia Records in 1943. Being the idol of the...
among others. Dorsey's performance of "Hail to Pitt" appears on original recordings that were released from that broadcast, and is among the select songs chosen to appear on a CD rerelease entitled Tommy Dorsey plays Sweet and Hot. Also during the 1940s, Joseph Wood
Joseph R. Wood
Joseph Wood was an American composer and music educator.-Biography:Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wood attended Bucknell University from 1932-1934. Afterwords, he began his formal music training at the Juilliard Institute of Musical Arts where he received a diploma in piano performance in 1936...
conducted a recording of a collection of songs entitled Songs of the University of Pittsburgh that featured Walter Scheff, Ralph Nyland, and Michael Stewart
Michael Stewart (musician)
Michael “Mike” Stewart was the guitarist for We Five. He was also the brother of John Stewart , a one-time member of The Kingston Trio and later a very successful singer/songwriter, and the father of Jamie Stewart, frontman of popular avant-garde group Xiu Xiu...
. Released on two 78-rpm discs by Republic records, the album featured "Hail to Pitt", "Pitt Alma Mater", "The Panther", and the "Pitt Victory Song".
"Hail to Pitt" was also one of only 16 college songs performed and featured on a 1948 recording by Jan Garber and His Orchestra
Jan Garber
Jan Garber was an American jazz bandleader.-Biography:Garber was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He had his own band by the time he was 21 . He became known as "The Idol of the Airwaves" in his heyday of the 1920s and 1930s, playing jazz in the vein of contemporaries such as Paul Whiteman and Guy...
released as Collegiate Melodies on Capital Records in both a 10-inch LP
LP album
The LP, or long-playing microgroove record, is a format for phonograph records, an analog sound storage medium. Introduced by Columbia Records in 1948, it was soon adopted as a new standard by the entire record industry...
and a 45 rpm EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
set in 1950, and re-released in 1955 as a 12-inch album. Garber's album is considered one of the best recorded collections of fight songs in existence.
During the 1952-1953 school year, the Pitt Band and the Pitt Men's Glee Club collaborated to release a compilation songs entitled Songs of Pitt on RCA Victor Records. Soon after that, on October 7, 1953, the Vaughn Monroe and the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra
Vaughn Monroe
Vaughn Wilton Monroe was an American baritone singer, trumpeter and big band leader and actor, most popular in the 1940s and 1950s. He has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for recording and radio.-Biography:...
performed "Hail to Pitt" as part of a Camel Caravan
Camel Caravan
Camel Caravan was a musical variety radio program, sponsored by Camel cigarettes, that aired on NBC Radio and CBS Radio from 1933 to 1954...
taping that was broadcast on CBS Radio Network
CBS Radio Network
The CBS Radio Network provides news, sports and other programming to more than 1,000 radio stations throughout the United States. The network is owned by CBS Corporation, and operated by CBS Radio ....
on October 26, 1953.
The sheet music for "Hail to Pitt" has undergone various publications and has appeared in a multiple music compilations including a collection entitled Songs of the University of Pittsburgh in 1929 by the Thornton W. Allen Company of New York, as well as more recently in Studwell and Schueneman's College Fight Songs published in 1998.
Modern use and availability
There have also been numerous modern releases of the fight song in various compilations, including those released in 2006 by Sound Masters entitled College Fight Songs Volume 01 (SongDog Network) and in 2008 in Gameday Faves: Classic College Fight Songs Volume 2 and Volume 10 (2Thumbz Entertainment). Various compilations by the Pitt Band and Pitt Men's Glee Club have also been produced for more regional distribution including Pitt Spirit released on audio cassette in 1989,, Proudly Pittsburgh in 1997, and in the late 2000s Pitt Pride! and Panther Fans...Are You Ready? on compact discCompact Disc
The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,...
. Today, besides the common performance of "Hail to Pitt" and other Pitt songs by the Pitt Band, Glee Club, and other university musical groups, "Hail to Pitt" is often heard in radio and television broadcasts, regional advertising, in various electronic merchandise, and is available for purchase in a variety of formats including compact discs, MP3
MP3
MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression...
s, and ringtones.
'"Hail to Pitt" Lyrics
The lyrics stating "alleghenee, genec, genac, genac" reference the "Official University Yell" by 1891 graduate W. A. Johnston. The Yell itself is referencing the Allegheny Mountains
Allegheny Mountains
The Allegheny Mountain Range , also spelled Alleghany, Allegany and, informally, the Alleghenies, is part of the vast Appalachian Mountain Range of the eastern United States and Canada...
of Western Pennsylvania
Western Pennsylvania
Western Pennsylvania consists of the western third of the state of Pennsylvania in the United States. Pittsburgh is the largest city in the region, with a metropolitan area population of about 2.4 million people, and serves as its economic and cultural center. Erie, Altoona, and Johnstown are its...
. "Hail to Pitt" is believed to be the only college song to contain a college yell officially in its chorus. The yell was selected to be the "Official University Yell" by an 1889 committee which also selected the official school colors of blue and gold. One of the first printed appearances of the "Official University Yell" occurred in an 1890 issue of the University Courant, a literary society magazine, which was also the first official year of the university's football team
Pittsburgh Panthers football
Pittsburgh Panthers football is the intercollegiate football team of the University of Pittsburgh, often referred to as "Pitt", located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Traditionally the most popular sport at the university, Pitt football has played at the highest level of American college football...
. The existence of the inclusion of this cheer in "Hail to Pitt" represents one of the few remaining student traditions still in widespread practice today that existed prior to the turn of the twentieth century and the 1908 name change.
Down in Smokytown, in Pennsylvania,
In Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
We've a University we're all proud of,
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh.
She stands a mighty fortress 'neath her colors bright,
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
When forth she goes to battle 'gainst a stubborn foe
This song will upward go:
Hail to Pitt, hail to Pitt every loyal son!
Hail to Pitt, hail to Pitt 'til the victory is won!
The gold and blue shall wave forever
On high through fair and stormy weather;
We'll sing her praises far and wide
Until the end of time!
Hooperay, hooperay for dear old U-N-I;
We'll give a grand old alleghenee, genac, genac, genac
We'll wave and cheer for many a year
And sing our songs out loud and clear
For our university.
(repeat Chorus)
Often during sporting events, pep rallies, and various alumni and student functions, only the chorus is frequently played by the Pitt Band. It is usually paired with the other two widely performed fight songs of the University: the Pitt Victory Song
Pitt Victory Song
The Pitt Victory Song, one of the most popular and widely used fight songs of the University of Pittsburgh, is often played in conjunction with Hail to Pitt and the Panther Song. Few people know the rarely heard first portion of the song, before the chorus. Lyrics were by G. Norman Reis and...
and "The Panther" song.
Variations in lyrics
In some instances, slight differences can be found in the modern usage of the lyrics, including the replacement of the pronoun "her" when referring to the University with "our".A change in the lyrics was instituted on October 1, 1954, in an effort to support the city's "smoke control program" by eliminating the use of the term "smokeytown". The traditional first line:
"Down in Smokeytown in Pennsylvania, in Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh"
was eliminated and replaced with the following lyric:
"Where the Allegheny meets the Ohio, in Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh".
The replacement verse was chosen during a student congress sponsored contest. The winning submission was written by Ronald Amalong, who received a Pitt blazer
Blazer
A blazer is a type of jacket. The term blazer occasionally is synonymous with boating jacket and sports jacket, two different garments. A blazer resembles a suit coat cut more casually — sometimes with flap-less patch pockets and metal buttons. A blazer's cloth is usually durable , because it is an...
for his efforts. The lyric was first sung by members of the Pitt Men's Glee Club during a ceremony attended by the city's mayor, David L. Lawrence
David L. Lawrence
David Leo Lawrence was an American politician who served as the 37th Governor of Pennsylvania from 1959 to 1963. He is to date the only mayor of Pittsburgh to be elected Governor of Pennsylvania. Previously, he had been the mayor of Pittsburgh from 1946 through 1959...
, on the Bigelow Boulevard porch of the Cathedral of Learning
Cathedral of Learning
The Cathedral of Learning, a Pittsburgh landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is the centerpiece of the University of Pittsburgh's main campus in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States...
during a pep rally for that season's football home opener. However, today the Pitt Band today still refers to the original lyrics on its website.
Traditional lyrics
The first stanza focuses on the university's place in the City of Pittsburgh while the second stanza specifically mentions and focuses on football. This reinforces the attention on, and popularity of, the university's football team at the time of its writing. The season in which "Hail to Pitt" was written corresponded with the undefeated Pitt football team coach by Joseph H. Thompson
Joseph H. Thompson
Joseph "Colonel Joe" Henry Thompson was a highly decorated World War I veteran, recipient of the Medal of Honor, lawyer, Pennsylvania state legislator, head football coach of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers, and College Football Hall of Fame inductee....
that outscored its opponents 282-0.
Down in Smokytown, in Pennsylvania,
In Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
We have a University we're all proud of,
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
She stand a mighty fortress 'neath her colors bright,
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
When forth she goes to battle 'gainst a stubborn foe
This song will upward go:
CHORUS:
Hail to Pitt! Hail to Pitt! every loyal son,
Hail to Pitt! Hail to Pitt! 'til the victory is won,
The Gold and Blue shall wave forever
On high, through fair and stormy weather,
We'll sing her praises far and wide
Until the end of time;
Hoop-hurray! Hoop-hurray for dear old Uni,
Give her a grand old Alleghenee-genac-genac-genac
We'll wave and cheer for many a year
And sing her songs out loud and clear,
For our University.
When the grand old days of football come around,
In Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
Her rooters at the field will make an awful sound,
For Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
Down across the field her mighty line moves on,
For Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
They'll sweep the foe before them 'til the goal is won
Then you'll hear them shout:
Official University Yell
Hail to Pitt includes a reference to the Official University Yell by W. A. Johnston, class of 1891. The cheer was selected as the Official University Yell, along with blue and gold as the official colors of the University, by a committee in 1889. Hail to Pitt is believed to be the only college song to contain a college yell officially in its chorus. The official college yell of the University is as follows.Alle-genee-genac-genac,
Alle-genee-genac-genac,
Hoorah-Hoorah,
Pitt!
Prior to change of the university's name in 1908 from Western University of Pennsylvania to the University of Pittsburgh, the cheer appeared in the October 1890 edition of the University Courant this way:
Alleghenee, genack, genack !
Alleghenee, genack, genack !
Hoorah ! Hoorah ! Wup !
Common Pitt songs
"Hail to Pitt" is one of the primary parts of the University of Pittsburgh's musical pageantry, but many other songs about the University have been written over the years. Along with "Hail to Pitt", "The Panther", also known as "The Panther Song", is often paired with "Hail to Pitt" when performed. In addition, the Pitt "Victory SongPitt Victory Song
The Pitt Victory Song, one of the most popular and widely used fight songs of the University of Pittsburgh, is often played in conjunction with Hail to Pitt and the Panther Song. Few people know the rarely heard first portion of the song, before the chorus. Lyrics were by G. Norman Reis and...
" is also commonly played with "Hail to Pitt". These three songs typically form the primary montage of Pitt songs that is heard at university events and Pitt athletic contests. The University of Pittsburgh's "Alma Mater
University of Pittsburgh Alma Mater
The Alma mater of the University of Pittsburgh was adopted soon after the University changed its name in 1908 from the Western University of Pennsylvania to its current moniker. Lyrics were written by George M. P. Baird, class of 1909 and were set to the tune of what was then the Austrian National...
" will also commonly be played, typically to open or close these same events. The melodies of these four songs, if not the lyrics, are familiar to most fans, faculty, staff, and alumni of the university and, having been ingrained into the school's culture over the years, have become the primary musical tradition at Pitt.
The Panther song
Often paired with "Hail to Pitt" http://www.pittband.com/music/06%20Panther%20Song_Hail%20To%20Pitt.mp3 or the "Pitt Victory Song", the short "The Panther" is often used as an introduction to, or bridge, between them. Lyrics were written by Horace C. Scott (Dent.University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, located in Pittsburgh, PA, is one of Pitt’s six schools of the health sciences and is closely affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center....
1915), who was president of Men's Glee Club while at Pitt, and later served in the medical service of World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. The music was written by Clarence S. Harris (Dent.
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, located in Pittsburgh, PA, is one of Pitt’s six schools of the health sciences and is closely affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center....
1916). One of the earlier printings of the "The Panther" was with a collection entitled Songs of the University of Pittsburgh in 1929 by the Thornton W. Allen Company of New York. During the 1940s, Joseph Wood
Joseph R. Wood
Joseph Wood was an American composer and music educator.-Biography:Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wood attended Bucknell University from 1932-1934. Afterwords, he began his formal music training at the Juilliard Institute of Musical Arts where he received a diploma in piano performance in 1936...
conducted a recording of a collection of songs entitled Songs of the University of Pittsburgh that featured Walter Scheff, Ralph Nyland, and Michael Stewart
Michael Stewart (musician)
Michael “Mike” Stewart was the guitarist for We Five. He was also the brother of John Stewart , a one-time member of The Kingston Trio and later a very successful singer/songwriter, and the father of Jamie Stewart, frontman of popular avant-garde group Xiu Xiu...
. Released on two 78-rpm discs by Republic records, the album featured the "The Panther", as well as "Hail to Pitt", the "Victory Song", and the "Alma Mater". "The Panther" also appears with "Hail to Pitt" on Gameday Faves: Classic College Fight Songs Volume 10.
Currently lyrics used in the "Panther Song" as currently taught to incoming Pitt Band freshmen are as follows:
Old Pittsburgh's Glory
Won't be trampled down today by any foe, foe, foe!
For Pittsburgh's Glory,
We'll fight you square, we'll play you fair at any game you know.
And when the sun sets,
You'll hear our good old dong of victory...
Oh, when the Panther screams, you know the battle's just begun —
And if you don't look out, he'll surely get you on the run
For Pittsburgh's Glory,
And the honor of our University!
Lyrics ascribed to the song from a 1927 Thornton W. Allen printing of an Intercollegiate Song Book vary slightly:
won't be trampled down today by any foe,
For Pittsburgh's glory we'll fight you square, we'll play you fair, at any game you know,
And 'ere the sun sets
you'll hear our good old song of victory.
Oh, if the Panther screams it means a battle just begun,
And if you don't watch out he'll get you on the run,
For Pittsburgh's glory,
And the honor of our University.
Victory Song
Widely used and often paired with the Hail to Pitt and the Panther Song, the "Victory Song" prominently features the most commonly used cheer at Pitt athletic events: "Let's Go Pitt!"Alma Mater
Performed in a less raucous nature than the fight songs, the official alma materAlma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
of the University of Pittsburgh is set to the tune of Joseph Haydn's
Joseph Haydn
Franz Joseph Haydn , known as Joseph Haydn , was an Austrian composer, one of the most prolific and prominent composers of the Classical period. He is often called the "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet" because of his important contributions to these forms...
1797 anthem for the Austrian Emperor and since 1922 has served as the German National Anthem.
Other Pitt songs and chants
These school songs are seldom heard or used today, but are documented in various University publications. Together, they help tell the history of musical pageantry at the University of Pittsburgh, but have not enjoyed the popularity or longevity of "Hail to Pitt", the "Victory Song", "The Panther", and the Pitt "Alma Mater".Pitt Fight Song
Although not one of the more predominantly performed songs of the university, "Pitt Fight Song" is still occasionally performed by the Pitt Men's Glee Club.Dear Old Pittsburgh, dear Old Pittsburgh,
Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight!
All together we will ever
Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight!
Let the grizzly Panther roar
while the boys pile up the score
For dear old Pittsburgh, dear old Pittsburgh,
Fight, Fight, Fight
Let the grizzly Panther roar
while the boys pile up the score
For dear old Pittsburgh, dear old Pittsburgh,
Fight, Fight, Fight
Our Old Pittsburgh
Song to the tune to the Stein Song from the early 20th Century musical comedy "Prince of Pilsen".Come, brothers, sing the old song again,
Our paean to Alma Mater,
We who have followed Her beacon light
And marched 'neath Her banner fair,
Sing of Her fame in the days gone by
And the glory the years have brought Her;
Her colors we wear, Her honors we share,
Then sing till the winds reply;
Here's to our University,
Here's to Her Gold and Blue,
Here's to Alumni and Faculty,
Here's to Her Students true,
Here's to Her fame in years to come,
Bright may Her laurels be,
Here's to Old Pittsburgh the glorious,
Here's to old U. of P.
Our Old Pittsburgh, dear Old Pittsburgh,
With love that never tires
Thy loyal sons in homage stand
About Thine altar fires;
Though in the strife of after life
Far from Thy shrine we be,
Our loyal hearts will ever burn
With love, dear Pitt, for Thee,
Our loyal hearts will ever burn
With love, dear Pitt, for Thee.
Pitt
The lyrics of this fight song were written by Carl F. Ohlinger (Col.University of Pittsburgh School of Arts and Sciences
The Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences is one of the 17 schools and colleges of University of Pittsburgh located in Pittsburgh, PA...
1910) with music by Harriette Slattery (Western Pennsylvania Institution for the Blind, 1904).
Now's the time to make a noise and shout for all you're worth,
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh, Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
Isn't it the greatest place that's anywhere on earth?
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh, Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
Wave your pennants, spread your banners, let our ribbons stream,
Fellows, throw your hats in air, and all you Co-eds, scream,
Show the world what spirit is for city, school and team,
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh; Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
What's the use of faculty unless to sing and shout,
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh, Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
Soon we'll make the nation wonder what it's all about,
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh, Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
Let the quaking hills resound, and pierce our smoky sky,
Let Ohio's parent waters tremble at the cry,
Then will all the citizens to Uni's cheer reply,
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh; Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
Let's Give Old Alleghenee
"Let's Give Old Alleghenee" was featured as song "No. 16" in a list of "Varsity Songs" in the 1910 Football Year Book. This song also incorporated the Official University Yell into its lyrics, similar to how it is also incorporated into "Hail to Pitt". One could speculate that this song could have been in existence prior to the 1908 name change as the verses referring to "Pitt" could easily be exchanged with "Wup" or "W.U.P."Whenever, wherever, Pitt men get together—
Green Freshmen or gray-bearded Grads,
Grave Jurists of years or gay young Engineers,
Staid Doctors or frolicsome Lads,
The Dentists, the Teachers, the Bankers, the Preachers,
And prominent Men of the Day—
Whenever, wherever, Pitt men get together,
Someone is then sure to say:
REFRAIN.
Let's give, let's give, let's give Old Alleghenee!
All together, in Uni's praise,
Grand old yell of our college days!
Here's to — — The Gold and Blue,
Here's to the Varsitee!
A warm hand-shake for old sake's sake,
Then, hip! hip! Alleghenee;
(Spoken) . . . . . . . . . .
Alle-genee-genac-genac,
Alle-genee-genac-genac,
Hoorah-Hoorah-Pitt,
That's Old Alleghenee,
Whenever, wherever, Pitt men get together,
To honor the School they revere,
Their voices ring strong in the old college song,
And boom out the old college cheer;
'Til raw throats rebelling prevent further yelling,
And music in growls dies away;
Yet vocal affliction to Pitt's no restriction,
And some one is then sure to say:
REFRAIN.
Let's give, let's give, let's give the 'Varsity Clap,
Pittsburgh's slogan in every land—
Give Old Alleghenee by hand;
One-two-three — — U. of P.
Now with spirit and snap,
Let's give the gattling, smashing rattling,
Good old 'Varsity Clap:
(The Hand Clap) . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
That's the Varsity Clap.
Fight For Pittsburgh
"Fight for Pittsburgh" appeared in the 1916 The Owl student yearbook. It was also selected to appear in the compilation Five Pitt Songs that was assembled and edited by the University of Pittsburgh Music Department in 1920 along with "Hail to Pitt", "Alma Mater", "O, O, O, O", and "Here's to Good Old Pitt". Although not in common use anymore, its inclusion in this collection indicates it may have been one of the more popular early songs.For we'll fight, fight, fight for Pittsburgh,
As the team comes down the field;
For we'll fight, fight, fight for Pittsburgh,
For the team will never yield;
For we'll fight, fight, fight for Pittsburgh,
Can't you hear those rooters roar,
Touchdown, Touchdown,
Pittsburgh,
As they're rolling up the score.
O—O—O—O
"O—O—O—O" both in the 1916 The Owl student yearbook. It was also selected to appear in the compilation Five Pitt Songs that was assembled and edited by the University of Pittsburgh Music Department in 1920 along with "Hail to Pitt", "Alma Mater", "Fight for Pittsburgh", and "Here's to Good Old Pitt". Although not in common use anymore, its inclusion in this collection indicates it may have been one of the more popular early songs.O—O—O—O,
Eat 'em up, Pitt,
Eat 'em up, Pitt,
We want a touchdown,
Eat 'em up, Pitt,
Eat 'em up, Pitt,
One more touchdown.
My Gold and Blue
A short song to the tune of the chorus of "Pony Boy".Gold and Blue, Gold and Blue,
Show them now what you can do,
We're with you, here with you,
Pull for Victory,
Five more yards, three more yards,
One more yard, touchdown,
Hoop-it-up, Hoop-it-up, Hoop-it-up Boys!
My Gold and Blue.
E Yip I Addy
A short song to the tune of "E-Yip-I-Ad-dy-I-Ay-I-Ay".Rise Brothers of Pitt, Alma Mater is calling,
Leap strong in her strength to the fray,
By the love of "Old Uni," whose colors we wear,
We'll conquer the foemen to-day;
We've faith in you boys, and whatever betides,
To Pitt and our team we'll be true,
On, boys, to the fray, while the foe in dismay,
Hear us cheer for the Gold and the Blue.
CHORUS.
E-Yip-I-Ad-dy-I-Ay-I-Ay!
E-Yip-I-Ad-dy-I-Ay!
Alma Mater depends on you,
Hit the line for the Gold and the Blue;
E-Yip-I-Ad-dy-I-Ay-I-Ay!
Old Pittsburgh conquers to day!
Just roll up the score and we'll yell evermore,
E-Yip-I-Ad-dy-I-Ay!
Marching through Uni
An early song set to the tune of Marching Through GeorgiaMarching Through Georgia
"Marching Through Georgia" is a marching song written by Henry Clay Work at the end of the American Civil War in 1865. It refers to U.S. Maj. Gen...
was sung by the Pitt Men's Glee Club when the University was still called the Western University of Pennsylvania. The words were composed by G.H. Barbour, class of 1887. The lyrics were presented in the Western University Courant as follows:
Rally round your colors, lads, uplift the Gold and Blue;
Let the population know those tints are dear to you;
Sound the dear old college yell, and pierce the heavens through,
As we go marching through Uni.
Let the Freshman shout again, the Sophomore rejoice,
Let the Junior pound his cane, the Senior make a noise,
Let the graduates all sing, with one united voice,
As we go marching through Uni.
Let the people join to swell the volume of the song,
Ladies whom we love so well fill out the mighty throng,
Let the wandering winds impel the minstrelsy along,
As we go marching through Uni.
CHORUS:
- The Gold, the Blue, the University,
- The Gold, the Blue, the tints we love to see!
Rally round your colors, lads, and sing the jubilee,
- As we go marching through Uni.