March Madness is set to kick off next month. No doubt legions of basketball fans will flock to the games–or at least their TVs–to get a glimpse of all the action. While there is much to anticipate, we as always, are in it for the music. Below, check out four of the best NCAA fight songs. This list is not exhaustive by any means, so if your favorite team isn’t represented, don’t fret. Everything will be settled on the court.
Videos by American Songwriter
Louisiana State University – “Fight for LSU“
The raucous “Fight for LSU” was a replacement for an earlier chant written by Louisiana’s governor, Huey P. Long, in the mid-’30s. After Long was assassinated–the culmination of a plot to dismantle his power in the state–this iteration of the fight song came into play. It’s as rousing as any fight song has ever been, complete with austere horns and driving drums. If you’ve ever been to an LSU game, you’ll know the fervor this song generates.
Like knights of old, let’s fight to hold
The glory of the Purple Gold
Let’s carry through, let’s die or do
To win the game for dear old LSU
Keep trying for that high score
Come on and fight
We want some more, some more
Come on you Tigers, fight, fight, fight!
For dear old L-S-U
Rah!
University of Alabama – “Yea Alabama!“
Next up on our list of great NCAA fight songs, we have another southern state. “Yea Alabama!” was the product of a fight song contest put on at The University of Alabama in 1925. Though the immediate prize was $50, the winner of that contest got much more than they bargained for. This anthem has been a mainstay at the school since its inception, speaking to the merit of the student’s songwriting abilities.
Yea, Alabama! Drown ’em Tide!
Every ‘Bama man’s behind you,
Hit your stride.
Go teach the Bulldogs to behave,
Send the Yellow Jackets to a watery grave.
And if a man starts to weaken,
That’s a shame!
For Bama’s pluck and grit have
Writ her name in Crimson flame.
Fight on, fight on, fight on men!
Remember the Rose Bowl, we’ll win then.
So roll on to victory,
Hit your stride,
You’re Dixie’s football pride,
Crimson Tide, Roll Tide, Roll Tide!!
University of Southern California: – “Fight On“
Similarly, “Fight On” was composed for the University of Southern California in 1922 via a school spirit contest. This song is unique in its timing. While most fight songs aim to keep the energy up from start to finish, this track makes use of a slower rhythm. It adds a dramatic flare that is hard to beat.
Fight On for ol’ SC
Our men fight on to victory
Our Alma Mater dear
Looks up to you
Fight on and win
For ol’ SC
Fight on to victory
Fight on!
University of Michigan: – “The Victors“
Lastly on our list of the best NCAA fight songs, we have Michigan’s anthem. “The Victors” was written following Michigan’s first Western Conference football championship in 1898. It has evolved to be a calling card for all of the university’s sports. As a fun fact: John Philip Sousa’s band was the first to play this song for a crowd. Given his reputation for writing army marches, his decision to help debut this anthem speaks volumes.
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conquering heroes
Hail! Hail! to michigan
the leaders and best!
Hail! To the victors valiant
Hail! to the conquering heroes
Hail! Hail! to michigan
the champions of the west!
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conquering heroes
Hail! Hail! to michigan
the champions of the west
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conquering heroes
Hail! Hail! to michigan
The champions of the west!!!!!!
(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
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