The Cougar Song (BYU)
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"The Cougar Song", often colloquially referred to as "The Cougar Fight Song", "The BYU Fight Song" or "Rise and Shout, The Cougars Are Out", is the school fight song of Brigham Young University. It is often played at BYU sporting events, especially at BYU football games, and is popular with both students and alumni. On these occasions it is traditional for the fans to remain seated, singing along with the verse, then literally "rise and shout" the chorus and chant.
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[edit] History
The song was composed in 1932 by Clyde Sandgren, BYU graduate and general counsel vice president. Clyde passed away in 1989 and left ownership of the song to his son, Dee Sandgren. Only Dee and BYU have the rights to the song.[1] It is not the only college song BYU has had in its history. In 1899 Annie Pike Greenwood wrote "The College Song", which for many years stood as the school's main song until the Cougar Song was written. Even afterwards, the song was still sung at alumni and other functions. The Cougar Song was written in the 30s, but was letter dedicated by its composer especially "To all BYU students who so valiantly served their country in World War II."[2]
[edit] Song lyrics
Rise, all loyal Cougars and hurl your challenge to the foe.
You will fight, day or night, rain or snow.
Loyal, strong, and true
Wear the white and blue.
While we sing, get set to spring.
Come on, Cougars, it's up to you!
CHORUS:
Rise and shout, the Cougars are out,
along the trail to fame and glory.
Rise and shout, our cheers will ring out,
As you unfold your vict'ry story.
On you go to vanquish the foe for Alma Mater's sons and daughters.
As we join in song in praise of you our faith is strong.
We'll raise our colors high in the blue,
And cheer our Cougars of BYU.
[edit] Parody
"The Cougar Song" is a rich source of parody songs, both on and off campus. Amateur student lyricists have created songs such as "Rise and Pout," a complaint about BYU's football team being knocked off the UPI's Top 20 list, and musicians have created humorous instrumentals such as "Variations on the Cougar Fight Song," which demonstrates the tune in waltz time, ragtime and other odd variants.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Lyrics of "The Cougar Song" and "College Song" at BYU
- "The Cougar Fight Song" at BYU Athletics
- "The Cougar Song" as performed by the BYU Marching Band (MP3)
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