We Hail Thee Carolina

"We Hail Thee Carolina" is the alma mater of the University of South Carolina. It was adopted by the University in 1912 and is sung by alumni and students at Gamecock athletic events. The alma mater is also used to conclude each football game, home or away.

History

The Gamecock reported in its March 1911 issue that very little progress had been made on the alma mater for the University despite a reward of $50 by the faculty. English professor, George A. Wauchope, took it upon himself and wrote the lyrics for the alma mater in 1911 set to the tune Flow Gently, Sweet Afton by Jonathan Spilman. Other songs were written and sung, but Wauchope's song proved to be the most popular and it was adopted by the University in 1912.^[1]

The tradition has developed that alumni raise their right fist as though raising a cup for the phrase "Here's A Health, Carolina" as if offering a toast.^[2]

Lyrics

We hail thee, Carolina, and sing thy high praise

With loyal devotion, remembering the days

When proudly we sought thee, thy children to be:

Here's a health, Carolina, forever to thee!

(Only the first verse is sung or played.)

Since pilgrims of learning, we entered thy walls

And found dearest comrades in thy classic halls

We've honored and loved thee as sons faithfully;

Here's a health, Carolina, forever to thee!

Generations of sons have rejoiced to proclaim

Thy watchword of service, thy beauty and fame;

For ages to come shall their rallying cry be:

Here's a health, Carolina, forever to thee!

Fair shrine of high honor and truth, thou shalt still

Blaze forth as a beacon, thy mission fulfill,

And crowned by all hearts in a new jubilee:

Here's a health, Carolina, forever to thee!

References

1. ↑ USC: Office of the University Registrar: A University Tradition
2. ↑ USC: Alma Mater

External links

• University of South Carolina Alma Mater Lyrics