Hail to Pitt

"Hail to Pitt" is the most traditional of various fight songs of the University of Pittsburgh. Lyrics were written by George M. Kirk (Col. 1913) and music by Lester Milton Taylor (Eng. 1912), both of whom were members of the Beta Theta chapter of Sigma Chi at Pitt. [ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittyearbooks&cc=pittyearbooks&idno=1916e49702&node=1916e49702%3A12&frm=frameset&view=image&seq=476 Owl Yearbooks (1907-1980) ] ] [ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittyearbooks;cc=pittyearbooks;q1=sigma%20chi;rgn=full%20text;idno=1912e49702;didno=1912e49702;view=image;seq=0245 Owl Yearbooks (1907-1980)] ] The first performance of this song was in a production of the Cap and Gown Club, a student theatre company, entitled "Here and There" in the spring of 1910. Kirk soloed the performance of his song during this production which took place in the Schenley Hotel, now the student union, in what was the first school year that the university had relocated to the Oakland section of Pittsburgh and the second academic year after the university changed its name from the Western University of Pennsylvania. [ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittcourant;cc=pittcourant;q1=1910;rgn=works;rgn1=citation;idno=e39398v25n07;didno=e39398v25n07;view=image;seq=0010;node=e39398v25n07%3A5 University Courant (1888-1910) ] ] [ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittcourant&cc=pittcourant&idno=e39398v25n08&q1=1910&frm=frameset&view=image&seq=15 University Courant (1888-1910) ] ] The lyrics subsequently appeared, along with other fight songs, prior to the 1910 football season in the "First Annual Football Year Book" [ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittmiscpubs&cc=pittmiscpubs&idno=00d642663m&node=00d642663m%3A2&frm=frameset&view=image&seq=57 Assorted University of Pittsburgh Publications ] ] and the words and music were printed by Volkwein's Music. Kirk, who served as a Pitt cheerleader for three years, helped push for the song's use as the Pitt fight song. It is believed that "Hail to Pitt" was the first college song to be broadcast on the radio when KDKA used it when airing the first football game in 1911. [ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittyearbooks&cc=pittyearbooks&idno=1976e49702&node=1976e49702%3A2&frm=frameset&view=image&seq=216 George M. Kirk] ]

"Hail to Pitt!" is also the most commonly used slogan of University of Pittsburgh athletics. The slogan is frequently used in promotional material and among alumni. It is often used as a closing signature in correspondence between alumni, sometime abbreviated "HTP".

"Hail to Pitt" Lyrics

The lyrics below represent the current lyrics to Hail to Pitt ascribed to by the Pitt Band. [cite web | url = http://www.pittband.com/schoolsongs.php | title = University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band: School Songs| date=| accessdate = 2008-07-09 ] Note that "U-N-I" are sung as three distinct letters of the alphabet, not to be confused with the phrase "you and I." The Pitt Men's Glee Club sings "Hail to Pitt" with the more traditional "Uni" (see Traditional "Hail to Pitt" Lyrics below).] Typically only the chorus is still in use and is frequently played by the Pitt Band during sporting events, pep rallies, and various alumni and student functions. It is usually paired with the other two widely performed fight songs of the University: the "Pitt Victory Song" and the Panther Song. In some instances, slight differences can be found in the modern usage of the lyrics, including the replacement of the pronoun "her" when referring to the University with "our". [cite web | url = http://media.www.pittnews.com/media/storage/paper879/news/2006/05/12/NewStudentGuide/Hail-To.Pitt-1984630.shtml | title = The Pitt News: New Student Guide: Hail to Pitt | date= 2006-05-12 | accessdate = 2008-07-09 ]
Hail to Pitt, hail to Pitt every loyal son
Hail to Pitt, hail to Pitt 'til the victory is won
The gold and blue shall wave forever
On high through fair and stormy weather
We'll sing her praises far and wide
Until the end of time
Hooperay, hooperay for dear old U-N-I
We'll give a grand old alleghenee, genac, genac, genac
We'll wave and cheer for many a year
And sing our songs out loud and clear
For our university.

Traditional "Hail to Pitt" Lyrics

The lyrics below represent original traditional lyrics going back to but going back to a printing of the "1910 Annual Football Year Book" and the 1916 edition of "The Owl" student yearbook. [ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittmiscpubs&cc=pittmiscpubs&idno=00d642663m&node=00d642663m%3A2&frm=frameset&view=image&seq=57 Assorted University of Pittsburgh Publications ] ] [ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittyearbooks&cc=pittyearbooks&idno=1916e49702&node=1916e49702%3A1&frm=frameset&view=image&seq=476 Owl Yearbooks (1907-1980) ] ] Some printings of the lyrics circa 1938 also appeared with a more generic lyric of "Hoop-hurray! Hoop-hurray for University" in the chorus.
Down in Smokytown, in Pennsylvania,
In Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
We have a University we're all proud of,
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
She stand a mighty fortress 'neath her colors bright,
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
When forth she goes to battle 'gainst a stubborn foe
This song will upward go:
CHORUS:
Hail to Pitt! Hail to Pitt! every loyal son,
Hail to Pitt! Hail to Pitt! 'til the victory is won,
The Gold and Blue shall wave forever
On high, through fair and stormy weather,
We'll sing her praises far and wide
Until the end of time;
Hoop-hurray! Hoop-hurray for dear old Uni,
Give her a grand old Alleghenee-genac-genac-genac
We'll wave and cheer for many a year
And sing her songs out loud and clear,
For our University.
When the grand old days of football come around,
In Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
Her rooters at the field will make an awful sound,
For Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
Down across the field her mighty line moves on,
For Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
They'll sweep the foe before them 'til the goal is won
Then you'll hear them shout:

Official University Yell

"Hail to Pitt" includes a reference to the Official University Yell by W. A. Johnston, class of 1891. [ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittyearbooks&cc=pittyearbooks&idno=1916e49702&node=1916e49702%3A12&frm=frameset&view=image&seq=468 Owl Yearbooks (1907-1980) ] ] It is believed to be the only college song to contain a college yell officially in its chorus. [ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittyearbooks&cc=pittyearbooks&idno=1976e49702&node=1976e49702%3A2&frm=frameset&view=image&seq=216 College yell in fight song] ] The official college yell of the University is as follows.
Alle-genee-genac-genac,
Alle-genee-genac-genac,
Hoorah-Hoorah,
Pitt!
Prior to change of the university's name in 1908 from Western University of Pennsylvania to the University of Pittsburgh, the cheer appeared in the October 1890 edition of the University Courant this way: [ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittcourant;cc=pittcourant;g=documentingpitt;xc=1;xg=1;q1=old%20gold;rgn=full%20text;idno=e39398v04n07;didno=e39398v04n07;view=image;seq=0015 University Courant, Vol. 4, No. 7, Oct. 1890, pg 98] ]
Alleghenee, genack, genack !
Alleghenee, genack, genack !
Hoorah ! Hoorah ! Wup !

Other common Pitt songs

Alma Mater

The official alma mater of the University of Pittsburgh is set to the tune of Joseph Haydn's 1797 anthem for the Austrian Emperor and since 1922 has served as the German National Anthem.

Victory Song

Widely used and often paired with the "Hail to Pitt" and the "Panther Song"

The Panther song

Often paired with "Hail to Pitt" [http://www.pittband.com/music/06%20Panther%20Song_Hail%20To%20Pitt.mp3] or the "Pitt Victory Song", the short "The Panther" is often used as an introduction to, or bridge, between them. Lyrics were written by H.C. Scott and music was written by C.S. Harris. [cite web | url = http://cgi.ebay.com/UNIVERSITY-OF-PITTSBURGH-Song-1927-The-Panther_W0QQitemZ7744309648QQihZ002QQcategoryZ39726QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQ_trksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem | title = Ebay auction by The Irish Wake: University of Pittsburgh Song 1927: "The Panther" (1927 printing)| date=2008-03-04 | accessdate = 2008-03-04 ]

Currently lyrics used in the "Panther Song" as currently taught to incoming Pitt Band freshman are as follows:
Old Pittsburgh's Glory
Won't be trampled down today by any foe, foe, foe!
For Pittsburgh's Glory,
We'll fight you square, we'll play you fair at any game you know.
And when the sun sets,
You'll hear our good old dong of victory...
Oh, when the Panther screams, you know the battle's just begun —
And if you don't look out, he'll surely get you on the run
For Pittsburgh's Glory,
And the honor of our University!
Lyrics ascribed to the song from a 1927 printing of an Intercollegiate Song Book vary slightly:
Pittsburgh's glory
won't be trampled down today by any foe,
For Pittsburgh's glory we'll fight you square, we'll play you fair, at any game you know,
And 'ere the sun sets
you'll hear our good old song of victory.
Oh, if the Panther screams it means a battle just begun,
And if you don't watch out he'll get you on the run,
For Pittsburgh's glory,
And the honor of our University.
[cite web | url = http://cgi.ebay.com/UNIVERSITY-OF-PITTSBURGH-Song-1927-The-Panther_W0QQitemZ7744309648QQihZ002QQcategoryZ39726QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQ_trksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem | title = Ebay auction by The Irish Wake: University of Pittsburgh Song 1927: "The Panther" (1927 printing)| date=2008-03-04 | accessdate = 2008-03-04 ] [cite web | url = http://cgi.ebay.com/UNIVERSITY-OF-PITTSBURGH-Vtg-Fight-Song-The-Panther_W0QQitemZ120121201714QQihZ002QQcategoryZ39726QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQ_trksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem | title = Ebay auction by The Irish Wake: University of Pittsburgh Vtg Fight Song "The Panther" (1953 printing)| date=2008-03-04 | accessdate = 2008-03-04 ]

eldom-heard Pitt songs

These school songs are seldom heard or used today, but are documented in various University publications.

Pitt Fight Song

Dear Old Pittsburgh, dear Old Pittsburgh,
Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight!
All together we will ever
Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight!
Let the grizzly Panther roar
while the boys pile up the score
For dear old Pittsburgh, dear old Pittsburgh,
Fight, Fight, Fight
Let the grizzly Panther roar
while the boys pile up the score
For dear old Pittsburgh, dear old Pittsburgh,
Fight, Fight, Fight
* [http://www.pittmensgleeclub.org/music/Pitt_Fight_Song.mp3 MP3 of Pitt Fight Song performed by the Pitt Men's Glee Club]

Our Old Pittsburgh

Song to the tune to the "Stein Song" from the early 20th Century musical comedy "Prince of Pilsen". [ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittmiscpubs&cc=pittmiscpubs&idno=00d642663m&node=00d642663m%3A2&frm=frameset&view=image&seq=54 Assorted University of Pittsburgh Publications ] ]
Come, brothers, sing the old song again,
Our paean to Alma Mater,
We who have followed Her beacon light
And marched 'neath Her banner fair,
Sing of Her fame in the days gone by
And the glory the years have brought Her;
Her colors we wear, Her honors we share,
Then sing till the winds reply;
Here's to our University,
Here's to Her Gold and Blue,
Here's to Alumni and Faculty,
Here's to Her Students true,
Here's to Her fame in years to come,
Bright may Her laurels be,
Here's to Old Pittsburgh the glorious,
Here's to old U. of P.
Our Old Pittsburgh, dear Old Pittsburgh,
With love that never tires
Thy loyal sons in homage stand
About Thine altar fires;
Though in the strife of after life
Far from Thy shrine we be,
Our loyal hearts will ever burn
With love, dear Pitt, for Thee,
Our loyal hearts will ever burn
With love, dear Pitt, for Thee.
[ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittyearbooks&cc=pittyearbooks&idno=1916e49702&node=1916e49702%3A12&frm=frameset&view=image&seq=474 Owl Yearbooks (1907-1980) ] ]

Pitt

The lyrics of this fight song were written by Carl F. Ohlinger (Col. 1910) with music by Harriette Slattery (Western Pennsylvania Institution for the Blind, 1904). [ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittmiscpubs&cc=pittmiscpubs&idno=00d642663m&node=00d642663m%3A2&frm=frameset&view=image&seq=59 Assorted University of Pittsburgh Publications ] ]
Now's the time to make a noise and shout for all you're worth,
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh, Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
Isn't it the greatest place that's anywhere on earth?
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh, Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
Wave your pennants, spread your banners, let our ribbons stream,
Fellows, throw your hats in air, and all you Co-eds, scream,
Show the world what spirit is for city, school and team,
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh; Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
What's the use of faculty unless to sing and shout,
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh, Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
Soon we'll make the nation wonder what it's all about,
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh, Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!
Let the quaking hills resound, and pierce our smoky sky,
Let Ohio's parent waters tremble at the cry,
Then will all the citizens to Uni's cheer reply,
Pitt, Pitt, Pittsburgh; Pitt, Pitt, Pitt!

Let's Give Old Alleghenee

Whenever, wherever, Pitt men get together—
Green Freshmen or gray-bearded Grads,
Grave Jurists of years or gay young Engineers,
Staid Doctors or frolicsome Lads,
The Dentists, the Teachers, the Bankers, the Preachers,
And prominent Men of the Day—
Whenever, wherever, Pitt men get together,
Someone is then sure to say:
REFRAIN.
Let's give, let's give, let's give Old Alleghenee!
All together, in Uni's praise,
Grand old yell of our college days!
Here's to — — The Gold and Blue,
Here's to the Varsitee!
A warm hand-shake for old sake's sake,
Then, hip! hip! Alleghenee;
(Spoken) . . . . . . . . . .
Alle-genee-genac-genac,
Alle-genee-genac-genac,
Hoorah-Hoorah-Pitt,
That's Old Alleghenee,
Whenever, wherever, Pitt men get together,
To honor the School they revere,
Their voices ring strong in the old college song,
And boom out the old college cheer;
'Til raw throats rebelling prevent further yelling,
And music in growls dies away;
Yet vocal affliction to Pitt's no restriction,
And some one is then sure to say:
REFRAIN.
Let's give, let's give, let's give the 'Varsity Clap,
Pittsburgh's slogan in every land—
Give Old Alleghenee by hand;
One-two-three — — U. of P.
Now with spirit and snap,
Let's give the gattling, smashing rattling,
Good old 'Varsity Cl

(The Hand Clap) . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
That's the Varsity Clap. [ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittmiscpubs&cc=pittmiscpubs&idno=00d642663m&node=00d642663m%3A2&frm=frameset&view=image&seq=62 Assorted University of Pittsburgh Publications ] ]

Fight For Pittsburgh

For we'll fight, fight, fight for Pittsburgh,
As the team comes down the field;
For we'll fight, fight, fight for Pittsburgh,
For the team will never yield;
For we'll fight, fight, fight for Pittsburgh,
Can't you hear those rooters roar,
Touchdown, Touchdown,
Pittsburgh,
As they're rolling up the score.
[ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittyearbooks&cc=pittyearbooks&idno=1916e49702&node=1916e49702%3A12&frm=frameset&view=image&seq=478 Owl Yearbooks (1907-1980) ] ]

My Gold and Blue

A short song to the tune of the chorus of "Pony Boy". [ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittmiscpubs&cc=pittmiscpubs&idno=00d642663m&node=00d642663m%3A2&frm=frameset&view=image&seq=64 Assorted University of Pittsburgh Publications ] ]
Gold and Blue, Gold and Blue,
Show them now what you can do,
We're with you, here with you,
Pull for Victory,
Five more yards, three more yards,
One more yard, touchdown,
Hoop-it-up, Hoop-it-up, Hoop-it-up Boys!
My Gold and Blue.

E Yip I Addy

A short song to the tune of "E-Yip-I-Ad-dy-I-Ay-I-Ay". [ [http://digital.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=pittmiscpubs&cc=pittmiscpubs&idno=00d642663m&node=00d642663m%3A2&frm=frameset&view=image&seq=49 Assorted University of Pittsburgh Publications ] ]
Rise Brothers of Pitt, Alma Mater is calling,
Leap strong in her strength to the fray,
By the love of "Old Uni," whose colors we wear,
We'll conquer the foemen to-day;
We've faith in you boys, and whatever betides,
To Pitt and our team we'll be true,
On, boys, to the fray, while the foe in dismay,
Hear us cheer for the Gold and the Blue.
CHORUS.
E-Yip-I-Ad-dy-I-Ay-I-Ay!
E-Yip-I-Ad-dy-I-Ay!
Alma Mater depends on you,
Hit the line for the Gold and the Blue;
E-Yip-I-Ad-dy-I-Ay-I-Ay!
Old Pittsburgh conquers to day!
Just roll up the score and we'll yell evermore,
E-Yip-I-Ad-dy-I-Ay!

External Links

[http://www.pittband.com/music/06%20Panther%20Song_Hail%20To%20Pitt.mp3 MP3 of the Panther Song followed by Hail to Pitt]

References