The Eyes of Texas

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UT Students and Football players singing The Eyes of Texas after a win versus Nebraska
UT Students and Football players singing The Eyes of Texas after a win versus Nebraska

For the long-running Texas travel program of the same name, see The Eyes of Texas (TV Series).

"The Eyes of Texas" is the alma mater of the University of Texas at Austin. It is set to the tune of "I've Been Working on the Railroad." Students, faculty, and alumni of the University sing the song at Longhorn sports games and other events.

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[edit] History

The Eyes of Texas at a University of Texas basketball game
The Eyes of Texas at a University of Texas basketball game
The Eyes of Texas after a University of Texas baseball game
The Eyes of Texas after a University of Texas baseball game

The song was written in 1903 by John Sinclair. The lyrics are said to be intended to poke fun at University President Colonel Prather. Prather had attended Washington and Lee College, where Robert E. Lee would frequently tell his students "The eyes of the South are upon you." Prather was known for including in his speeches a similar admonition, "The Eyes of Texas are Upon You," meaning that the state of Texas was watching and expecting the students to go out and do great things. Prather enjoyed the song and promoted its usage. He died not long thereafter, and the song was played at his funeral. After this, the song achieved its complete dignity and meaning.

The song is also sung at momentous occasions such as graduation and even solemn occasions such as funerals. Led by the Longhorn Marching Band, it was sung at the July 14, 2007 funeral of First Lady, Lady Bird (Claudia Taylor) Johnson, an alumna of the University of Texas.[1][2] When singing the song, participants generally raise their right arm with their hand making the Hook 'em Horns symbol of The University.[2]

Highway rest stops through the state feature road signs stating that the "The Eyes of Texas are upon" drunk drivers. These signs feature a cartoon longhorn holding a cell phone, encouraging motorists to call 911 to report drunk drivers.

The Eyes of Texas is also the alma mater of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). At the time, UTEP was called Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy (TCM). It was adopted in 1920 by the student body after UT (Austin) had declared it their school anthem. UTEP is the second oldest academic component of the U.T. System, having been founded in 1914.[1]

[edit] Lyrics

The eyes of Texas are upon you,
All the live long day.
The eyes of Texas are upon you,
You cannot get away.
Do not think you can escape them,
At night, or early in the morn'.
The eyes of Texas are upon you,
Till Gabriel blows his horn!

(A Longhorn Band performance of the song can be found here.)

[edit] Appearances in film

[edit] Student organization

The Eyes of Texas is a student organization on the UT campus. It is a service organization whose purpose is "to unselfishly serve the University of Texas at Austin." The organization awards the Eyes of Texas Excellence Awards to outstanding staff and faculty, the Margaret C. Berry Award for outstanding contributions to student life, and the Glen Maloney 40 Acres Award. The Eyes of Texas were first registered as a student organization on March 5, 1976 and are still active on the UT campus. They are represented by the symbol of an eye posted on all campus kiosks which the organization maintains.[4]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Holley, Joe. "Lady Bird Johnson is remembered", Washington Post, July 15, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-08-03. 
  2. ^ a b "Lady Bird Johnson Funeral - The Eyes of Texas". Retrieved on 2007-08-03. 
  1. ^  "It’s a Century Later, and the Eyes of Texas are Still Upon You" Support UT news story from March 2003 concerning the centennial of The Eyes of Texas
  2. ^  Film review of "Giant" - Accessed 20 March 2006
  3. ^  The Alamo - Accessed 20 March 2006
  4. ^  "The Eyes of Texas Are Upon Excellence Award Winners"

[edit] External links

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