School songs
Contents
Alma Mater
Sans Souci
Sans Souci (french for "without cares" or "carefree") is the Columbia College Alma Mater, composed by Percy Fridenberg in 1886. A beautiful song that most students probably don't know the words of. The CUMB can be seen performing the song at the conclusion of each football game, with the team gathered in front of them. Additionally, Orgo Night traditionally ends with the underclassmen members of the band singing Sans Souci to the seniors, who stand together on the steps of Furnald Hall.
1. What if tomorrow bring
Sorrow or anything
- Other than joy?
What if't be wintry chill
Rain, storm or summer's thrill?
Tomorrow's the future still;
- This is today!
Tomorrow's the future still;
- This is today.
2. Out on life's stormy seas
All of us soon may be,
- Far, far away.
Still hold your glasses high,
Here's to youth while it's nigh;
Though we tomorrow die,
- This is today!
Though we tomorrow die,
- This is today.
3. One last toast e'er we part,
Written on ev'ry heart,
- This motto stay
Long may Columbia stand,
Honored throughout the land,
Our Alma Mater grand,
- Now and for ay!
Our Alma Mater grand,
- Now and for ay.
Stand, Columbia
"Stand, Columbia" is the University Alma Mater, but it's rarely performed. Written by Gilbert Oakley Ward (CC 1902) in 1904 to the tune of Haydn's Emperor Quartet, which also served as the melody for the German national anthem "Deutschland über alles", the song most likely fell out of favor along with most other vestiges of germanophilia following World War I. The song is traditionally performed at the Baccalaureate Ceremony.
1. Mother, stay'd on rock eternal,
- Crown'd and set upon a height,
Glorified by Light supernal
- In thy radiance we see light,
Torch thy children's lamps to kindle,
- Beacon-star to cheer and guide,
Stand, Columbia! Alma Mater
- Through the storms of Time abide!
Stand, Columbia! Alma Mater
- Through the storms of Time abide!
2. Honor, love, and veneration
- Crown forevermore the brow!
Many a grateful generation
- Hail thee as we hail thee now!
Till the lordly Hudson seaward
- Cease to roll his heaving tide,
Stand, Columbia! Alma Mater
- Through the storms of Time abide!
Stand, Columbia! Alma Mater
- Through the storms of Time abide!
Fight Songs
Roar, Lion, Roar
"Roar" is Columbia's fight song and is the song that's most often associated with the school. The lyrics were written by Corey Ford CC '23 in 1923 to the melody of a song titled "Bold, Buccaneers!" from the 1923 Varsity Show "Half Moon Inn."[1] The song is rarely, if ever, performed with both stanzas. Usually only the second is performed.
1. When the bold, teams of old
Wore the Blue and White,
Deeds of fame, made their name,
Here at old Columbia.
Nowadays we can praise
Fighting teams again.
Hear the lion roar in pride,
While the men of Morningside
Follow the Blue and White to Vict'ry...
2. Roar, Lion, Roar
And wake the echoes of the Hudson Valley!
Fight on to victory evermore,
While the sons of Knickerbocker rally round
Columbia! Columbia!
Shouting her name forever!
Roar, Lion, Roar
For Alma Mater on the Hudson Shore!
Listen here: "Roar, Lion Roar" • Instrumental Only Version
Who Owns New York?
"Who Owns" is a self-aggrandizing cheer referring to Columbia being one of New York City's largest landlords. At one point Columbia was third behind only the City and the Church.
Oh, who owns New York?
Oh, who owns New York?
Oh, who owns New York the people say.
Why, we own New York!
Why, we own New York!
C-O-L-U-M-B-I-A!
Stand Up and Cheer
Another short cheer song performed by the band during games.
Stand up and cheer!
Stand up and cheer for old Columbia!
For today we raise
The Blue and White above the rest.
Our boys are fighting
And they are bound to win the fray.
We've got the team!
We've got the steam!
For this is old Columbia's day!
"Stand Up and Cheer" from the University of Ohio
