A trip to any sporting event at a college or university will surely include hearing the school's fight song. The tune proudly played by the school's band is as much part of the college's identity as its school colors or mascot. College fight songs are unique musical tributes to the school's roots and history.
History
While some colleges and universities in the United States date back nearly four centuries, most of the oldest college fight songs were written in the early 20th century. For example Harvard University, which was founded in 1636, is the country's oldest institute of higher education, but its fight song, "Ten Thousand Men of Harvard," wasn't penned until 1918.
Function
Fight songs are primarily played at sporting events to pump up the crowd and celebrate scores and victories. At many schools, the band will play the fight song to welcome a team onto the playing field, court or ice and then again after a touchdown or goal. Many students and die-hard fans will sing along with the fight song in celebration while jeering the opposition.
Identification
Most college fight songs are easily recognizable. Some of the most notable fight songs in the country are Notre Dame's "Victory March," Michigan's "Hail to the Victors," University of Southern California's "Fight On," Georgia Tech's "Ramblin' Wreck," Boston College's "For Boston," Oklahoma's "Boomer Sooner," Tennessee's "Rocky Top," Army's "On Brave Old Army Team" and "Aggie War Hymn" of Texas A&M.
Some smaller schools set their fight song to the tune of another, most notably "On Wisconsin" of the University of Wisconsin or Notre Dame's "Victory March."
Most fight songs reference the school's colors or mascot.
Significance
Many college fight songs are played at venues other than collegiate athletic events. During parades and in formation, the marching band of the United States Naval Academy will frequently play its fight song, "Anchors Aweigh." Fight songs will also be played at college and university events, such as graduation or convocation.
Misconceptions
At some colleges and universities, the fight song and school song are not the same. For example, the University of Maine lists its school song as "The Stein Song" while its fight song is "For Maine." In cases like this, both songs will often be played at different points during athletic events.
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