“What we really want is a song that tugs at the heartstrings…,”**
The University of Washington is offering $1,000 and a place in history to someone who can come up with a new school anthem.
The school has its fight song — “Bow Down to Washington” — but little else to evoke school spirit at commencements, on bus trips and, of course, at football games. While “Louie Louie” and “Tequila” are popular tunes at games, they say nothing about the Husky experience.
The current alma mater, or school song, has never proved popular since it was written in the early 1900s. It even contains a potentially offensive line: “You’re the mother of a mighty race.”
So now the UW is looking for someone to write the lyrics for a new alma mater, preferably a student, faculty member or alum. The words will be put to music by composer Bill Conti, who wrote one of the most recognized film scores ever: “Rocky.”
“What we really want is a song that tugs at the heartstrings,” said Brad McDavid, the director of Husky Athletic Bands. “We want something that’s really grasped and understood and appreciated, not only by alumni but by current students.”
**Apparently, these stirring lyrics aren’t “schmaltzy” enough? — Ed.
To her we sing who keeps the ward
O’er all her sons from sea to sea.
Our Alma Mater WASHINGTON
A health, a health we give to thee
Child of the mighty western lands
You’re the mother of a mighty race.
Silent her gentle vigil holds
In strength, purity and grace
Chorus:
All hail o Washington
By sons and daughters sing glad acclaim
Through years of youth and loyalty
And still in age we sing thy fame
In honor thy towers stand
Thy battlements shine in dawning light,
And glow again in sunset rays
All hail o Washington
(Lyrics by Riley Allen, class of 1903, music by George Hager, class of 1909)