Hark The Sound
Encyclopedia
"Hark The Sound" is the alma mater
of the University of North Carolina
, written by William Starr Myers of the class of 1897. It is sung at the end of athletic events (win or lose) and other university gatherings, and is set to the music of "Annie Lisle
".
It is usually followed by a rendition of Carolina's fight song
, "I'm a Tar Heel Born".
Since 2008, an acoustic version of the song has been played before the start of football and basketball games.
Listen to Hark the Sound as played by The Marching Tar Heels
, here
or as sung by the 1956-57 UNC Glee club , here
The second and third verses are as follows; they are not typically sung at University events:
NCU is an antiquated abbreviation for "North Carolina University." Since at least the 1980s, it has been common to yell N-C-U! in the line shouting NCU. Also, after clear its radiance shine, students will stomp their feet in time with the drum roll.
In recent years, it has become common among students and younger alumni to shout priceless gem instead of singing it.
The composer was a member of the UNC Men's Glee Club when he wrote this piece.
In 2006, the lyrics of the second verse of Hark the Sound were officially changed. The first line was changed from "sons true hearted" to "sons and daughters."
Alma 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 North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States...
, written by William Starr Myers of the class of 1897. It is sung at the end of athletic events (win or lose) and other university gatherings, and is set to the music of "Annie Lisle
Annie Lisle
"Annie Lisle" is the name of an 1857 ballad by Boston, Massachusetts songwriter H. S. Thompson first published by Moulton & Clark of Newburyport, Massachusetts, and later by Oliver Ditson & Co. It is about the death of a young maiden, by what some have speculated to be tuberculosis, although the...
".
It is usually followed by a rendition of Carolina's fight song
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...
, "I'm a Tar Heel Born".
Since 2008, an acoustic version of the song has been played before the start of football and basketball games.
Listen to Hark the Sound as played by The Marching Tar Heels
The Marching Tar Heels
The Marching Tar Heels is the athletics pep band for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Known as "The Pride of the ACC", the Marching Tar Heels is one of the largest organizations at UNC with over 275 students. The band plays at all home football games as well as travels to away...
, here
or as sung by the 1956-57 UNC Glee club , here
Lyrics
The first of the three verses is as follows; it is the only portion sung at University events:
Hark the sound of Tar Heel voices
Ringing clear and true.
Singing Carolina's praises.
Shouting N-C-U.
N-C-U !
Hail to the brightest star of all
Clear its radiance shine
Carolina priceless gem.
Receive all praises thine.
The second and third verses are as follows; they are not typically sung at University events:
'Neath the oaks thy sons and daughters
Homage pay to thee
Time worn walls give back their echo
Hail to U.N.C.
Though the storms of life assail us
Still our hearts beat true
Naught can break the friendships formed at
Dear old N.C.U.
NCU is an antiquated abbreviation for "North Carolina University." Since at least the 1980s, it has been common to yell N-C-U! in the line shouting NCU. Also, after clear its radiance shine, students will stomp their feet in time with the drum roll.
In recent years, it has become common among students and younger alumni to shout priceless gem instead of singing it.
The composer was a member of the UNC Men's Glee Club when he wrote this piece.
In 2006, the lyrics of the second verse of Hark the Sound were officially changed. The first line was changed from "sons true hearted" to "sons and daughters."