(We’re Loyal To You, Illinois)
A college fight song from 1908
Words and music by Thacher Howland Guild
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- We’re loyal to you Illinois
We’re “Orange and Blue,” Illinois
We’ll back you to stand
‘Gainst the best in the land
For we know you have sand, Illinois
Rah! Rah!
So, crack out the ball, Illinois
We’re backing you all, Illinois
Our team is our fame protector
On! boys, for we expect a touchdown from you Illinois
Che-he! Che-ha! Che-ha-ha-ha!
Che-he! Che-ha! Che-ha-ha-ha!
Illinois! Illinois! Illinois!
Fling out that dear old flag of Orange and Blue
Lead on your sons and daughters, fighting for you
Like men of old, on giants
Placing reliance, shouting defiance
Oskey wow-wow!
Amid the broad green plains that nourish our land
For honest Labor and for Learning we stand
And unto thee we pledge our heart and hand
Dear Alma Mater, Illinois
- We’re loyal to you Illinois
To the Orange and Blue, Illinois
Your banner in hand
Comes a right royal band
From the ends of the land, Illinois
Rah! Rah!
Tho’ restless we roam, Illinois
Your campus is home, Illinois
Your arms are out spread to greet us
Shouting, your thousands meet us
“Welcome to old Illinois”
Che-he! Che-ha! Che-ha-ha-ha!
Che-he! Che-ha! Che-ha-ha-ha!
Illinois! Illinois! Illinois!
Fling out that dear old flag of Orange and Blue
We come, your sons and daughters, homing to you
Your ivied walls before us
Elm arches o’er us
Wild ring your chorus
Oskey wow-wow!
To win you world wide fame in many a land
For honest Labor and for Learning we stand
And homeward turn with loyal heart and hand
Dear Alma Mater, Illinois
Sung here by Laurence Rubenstein: